ISRAEL VAZQUEZ RETURNS TO TRAINING IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA , FOURTH FIGHT WITH RAFAEL MARQUEZ NOT A “DONE” DEAL

LOS ANGELES (September 24, 2008) World Boxing Council Super Bantamweight Champion Israel Vazquez has returned to a light training regimen in Los Angeles following a relaxing summer spent with family and friends.

“It feels great to be back in the gym, although I’ve been out of serious training for a while it all came back very quickly. I won’t be sparring for a while, but everything else is going very well. It’s nice to see my friends and other fighters here and also during my morning runs.”

Vazquez’s last fight was his thrilling win over Rafael Marquez on March 1, 2008 at the Home Depot Center in Carson , California , capping off their sensational three fight trilogy with the Huntington Park resident winning two of the bouts.

The third bout, a twelve round decision win by Vazquez featuring his “goes for broke” style of capturing the final round, punctuated with a knock down in the final seconds, will most certainly headline many “Fight of the Year” lists at years end.

Despite a published report on the boxing website, BoxingConfidential.com about a fourth bout with Marquez being a done deal, Vazquez was quick to point out differently.

“We’ve fought three great bouts in succession over the last two years. While I have no problem fighting him again, my team and I are also looking at different options. Over the last few months I’ve heard my name mentioned many times for different fights and my manager Frank Espinoza is looking into each option to see what makes the most sense.

I just want to make sure the fans are not misled into thinking that a fourth fight with Marquez is my next bout due to this erroneous report.”

Vazquez stressed the importance of pleasing the fans in his upcoming fights as they happen. “The feedback and support I’ve received in this trilogy with Rafael has been overwhelming. It’s important to me that no matter who I fight that I put on a great performance.”

Said manager Frank Espinoza of the Espinoza Boxing Club, “It’s great to see Izzy back at the gym, I know he enjoyed his time off and working on the Olympic boxing coverage with Telemundo. But it’s too quick to say that he will be fighting in February against Marquez for a fourth time. We’re looking at a few different options and we will send out a press release at the appropriate time with the specifics of his next fight.

Continued Espinoza, “Over the last few years, not only in his bouts with Marquez, but also his terrific come from behind stoppage of Jhonny Gonzalez amongst his other great performances, Israel has truly shown what a crowd pleasing fighter that he is. This is a bond with boxing fans that is very important to him.”

- Press Release by Bernie Bahrmasel -

Q&A Israel Vazquez “Whatever the fans want, I’d be willing to take on”

One of Boxing’s true warrior’s is WBC Super Bantamweight Israel “El Magnifico” Vazquez 43-4(31). Vazquez is a former IBF Super Bantamweight champion too but was forced to relinquish the title when he wasn’t aloud to unify with Oscar Larios. Magnifico went on to KO Larios and go 2-1 up in the trilogy since then he’s defended against Jhonny Gonzalez showing tremendous will power recovering from 2 knockdowns & a points deficient to stop Gonzalez in a thriller in the tenth. He has also had gone 2-1 against his latest challenger Rafeal Marquez in one of the great trilogies of all time. He’s currently resting but aching to get back into action. We recently spoke with him on various matters, here’s what he had to say.

Hello Israel, welcome to www.15rounds.com

Israel Vazquez– thank you

Anson Wainwright - How are you? What have you been doing with your time since your terrific war with Rafael Marquez?

Israel Vazquez- I’ve been good. I have been spending much of my time with my family. I was also doing some commentating for Telemundo. That was fun. Although, I have been enjoying my time off. I really miss the ring. I want to get in there and mix it up with someone soon.

Anson Wainwright - Any ideas when you maybe back in the ring?

Israel Vazquez- I’ve promise my manager Frank Espinoza and my family I would take the rest of the year off. But I want to be back early next year. If it was up to me, I’d already be in the ring. (Laughing)

Anson Wainwright - Who would you like to fight? I’ve heard Marquez mentioned for the fourth time or possibly a rematch with Jhonny Gonzalez even Jorge Arce? All tremendous action fights

Israel Vazquez- I’d fight any of them. Whatever the fans want, I’d be willing to take on. But speaking of Arce. I hear he is very confident in beating me. If he’s so confident, he knows how to contact me.

Anson Wainwright - Set the scene for us. If you could make any fight what would it be and where would you like it to be?

Israel Vazquez- If I could fight anybody I would like to fight Manny Pacquaio at the Staples Center. But with him moving up in weight, I don’t think it will happen.

Anson Wainwright - What goals do you have still in Boxing?

Israel Vazquez- I would like to move up in weight and capture another title in another division.

Anson Wainwright - Do you think you’ll be fighting for many more years after some of the wars you have had with Marquez, Gonzalez, Larios? Do you feel your body taking longer to recover these days?

Israel Vazquez - You make a good point. But that’s why I am taking a long break. I want to give my body a rest. If I want to continue fighting for another two years, I need to rest. But I am feeling good and I’m anxious to get back in the ring.

What of your fights are you the most proud of when you look back at your career?

Israel Vazquez- Well, I’m very proud all my fights with Rafael Marquez, because we made history. We fought the best trilogy in boxing. But I’m also proud of my fights with Larios and Jhonny Gonzalez. All three were good fights.

Anson Wainwright - You fight out of Frank Espinoza’s stable, he must of been a huge help for you in your career, the way he’s looked after you and shown belief in you. Tell us a little about your relationship?

Israel Vazquez- Frank has played a huge part in my success. He was there for me whenever I needed him and believe in me when no one else did. He’s not just one of the best managers in boxing but he’s a good friend. He’s very easy to talk to.

Anson Wainwright - Would you like to give any of your stable mates a mention from the Frank Espinoza stable, as special fighters to keep an eye out for?

Israel Vazquez- Well I’d like to say good luck to Alejandro Valdez who will be fighting for his first world title on Oct. 16th in Japan. But to answer your question, I think he has a good stable and all of them are capable of winning world titles. I’d keep an eye out for Luis Ramos 6-0(4), Carlos Molina 4-0(1), Manny Roman 13-0(5), Ronny Rios and Abraham Lopez 4-0(3). They are the future of the Espinoza Boxing Club.

Thanks champ

Israel Vazquez- thank you

Anson Wainwright

www.15rounds.com

Rafael Marquez IV or Manny Pacquiao: Israel Vazquez Speaks of his Options with RSR - Interview by Dan Hernandez

Israel Vazquez Castaneda, the current WBC and Ring Magazine Super Bantamweight Champion of the World was born on Christmas Day 1977. He is a relentless offensive fighter with a spectacular left hook. Israel won his first boxing title in 2003, defeating southpaw, Jose Luis Valbuena and capturing the vacant Junior Featherweight IBF Crown, he then became the RING’s Super Bantamweight World Champion by scoring an exciting third round knockout over Oscar Larios, thus winning two of their three matches. Vazquez defeated the WBO Bantamweight Champion, Jhonny Gonzalez on September 16, 2006, having to overcome two knockdowns before gaining the victory.

This set the stage for the trilogy with Rafael Marquez that ranks high on any list of great matches. Each fight was all consuming and had the fans delirious with excitement. Vazquez lost his title to the number one ranked bantamweight Rafael Marquez on March 3, 2007, when he forfeited the bout due to an injured nose. The rematch on July 7, 2007, ended with Vazquez winning by a sixth round knockout. This fight was named Ring Magazine’s Fight of the Year for 2007. On March 1, 2008, Vazquez rose from a fourth round knockdown to gain a very tight split decision in their third fight…another candidate for Fight of the Year.

My photographer for the Vazquez-Marquez fight said at its conclusion, “If they fought every week, I’d stand in line to see it every week!” Discussions are on for a fourth fight between the two; however, the list of challengers for champion Vazquez is filled with worthy, talented, opponents. He also has dreams of moving up in division and winning other titles. His ring record to date is, 47-4, 31 KO’s.

Israel recently added television commentary to his list of accomplishments, acting as part of the commentary team covering the Olympics in China for Telemundo, the huge Spanish language network. He is hoping for a future in that area.

We found Israel on a break from his hectic schedule and thank him and his manager Frank Espinosa for their patience and courtesy for the following interview:

DH: Are you ready to fight again?

I can’t say I am in fighting shape but I have been getting that “urge” to get back in the ring and mix it up. I really want to get back in the ring and fight. I don’t care who it is (laughing) I just miss the ring. Right now, I’m taking the advice of my family and my manager, and resting. I know they are looking out for the best interest of me. Nevertheless, when I do come back, I’m going to come back very strong.

DH: Do you feel as strong as ever?

Yes, I do. I feel I am a lot stronger compared to my younger years.

DH: Are you considering moving up in weight?

Yes, I am. This is something that I have been thinking about sometime. But when the Marquez fight was presented to me, I jumped on it. But moving up is still an option for me. It’s too bad Linares moved up already.

DH: What goals in boxing are you still hoping to accomplish?

Well, moving up in weight is still a professional goal of mine, and I plan on doing it. But ultimately, I want to fight the fights the public would like me too. I want to be remembered as a fighter who took on the best and put on great fights.

DH: Who is your next challenger? What do you know about him?

He’s about 3 foot something and is keeping me on my toes. (Laughing, talking, and gazing upon his son.)

As of right now, I have no opponent. However, there are many options out there for me. We just need to decide on whom. There have been talks about Jorge Arce, Oscar Larios, Juan Manuel Lopez, Marquez, and others.

DH: What would be a dream match-up for you? Other than someone you’ve already fought.

I would have loved to have fought Manny Pacquaio, but with him moving up in weight, it seems that dream is very unlikely.

DH: Any thoughts on retirement?

No, not at the moment. I still have personal goals of mine that I would like to fulfill. I want to continue fighting for at least another two years.

DH: Do you have interests outside of boxing? What are they?

Right now, I have been enjoying my time with my family. Being a boxer can sometimes be unfair to my family, but they have always been extremely supportive. So, the time I have been spending with them has been very rewarding. I have also been staying busy by commentating for Telemundo on the Olympics. That was fun.

DH: What is your favorite city to fight in? And why?

My favorite city to fight in is Los Angeles, and not just because I now consider it my hometown. This is really a great place to fight. The fans are great and are very supportive of boxing; it makes the whole atmosphere fun.

DH: What advice would you give new fighters?

My advice to them will be to continue to work hard and never lose focus on your dream. There will be tough times in your journey but never give up. You have to believe in yourself when no one else does. But with hard work, some patience, and having the “hunger” deep inside of you, you can do it.

DH: How important are the people in your corner, cutmen, seconds, etc.?

They are very important to me. They believed in Israel Vasquez when no one else did. Frank Espinoza, Frankie, JR., Miguel Diaz, Joe Chavez, and Rudy Perez. They all played an important part role in my success. That’s what makes us a great team, I really appreciate their support.

DH: How were the Olympics?

The Olympics were a lot of fun; it was a new experience for me. Commentating is something I would like to get myself into once my boxing career is over.

DH: Did you feel being able to go to the Games was a definite perk of being a champion?

Yes, it is. I was fortunate that Telemundo even considered me for that position. It all worked out and it was a lot of fun, I guess being a champion does have its perks (Laughing).

DH: Thank you for your time.

Thank you.

Vazquez gets some much deserved rest
One can forgive Israel Vazquez for his current break from the ring. Three successive exciting and brutal title fights against Rafael Marquez within a 12-month period have earned Vazquez a well-deserved rest.

Five months after winning the rubber match against Marquez, the Mexico native continues to receive plaudits from fight fans. The third Vazquez-Marquez match arguably stands with the Antonio Margarito- Miguel Cotto bout two weeks ago as finalists for Fight of the Year.

''People recognize me more than before,'' Vazquez said in Spanish. ``I feel great because I know I gave all I could in the ring against an opponent who is no slouch. Rafael is a tough fighter for whom I have great admiration.''

Despite his sabbatical, Vazquez, 30, remains involved with boxing. He is currently in Miami, working as an boxing analyst during the Summer Olympics with Rene Giraldo from the Telemundo network's local studios.

''This is a good opportunity to prepare for my future,'' Vazquez said. ``I want to retire when I am 32 or 33.

``I never had the chance to box in the Olympics and this allows me to be part, in an indirect way, of a very important event. Hopefully, the viewers will enjoy my observations.''

Fight fans certainly enjoyed his trilogy with Marquez.

Marquez won the first bout and the World Boxing Council super-bantamweight title in March 2007 when he broke Vazquez's nose early in the fight. Vazquez developed breathing problems and could not continue fighting in the seventh round.

Vazquez won the rematch five months later with a sixth-round technical knockout.

In the third match, on March 1, Vazquez (43-4, 31 KOs) retained the title despite suffering a fourth-round knockdown. Moreover, the knockdown energized Vazquez, who eventually floored Marquez in the final round to win a narrow split decision.

''We had known each other very well by the third fight,'' Vazquez said of his compatriot. ``After I got knocked down, I knew I had to give it all my best.''

Vazquez said he quickly recovered from the cuts and bruises he sustained in the fight.

''I spent many hours in the bathtub, taking warm baths,'' Vazquez said. ``Thankfully, my cuts were small and superficial and I managed to recover in three or four days.''

Although his fight calendar is open, Vazquez plans a return to the gym next month. And when he resumes his career, Vazquez won't rule out a fourth fight against Marquez.

''After the great and close fight we just had, people in Rafael's camp have suggested we fight again,'' Vazquez said. ``I don't rule out the possibility. Rafael is a great champion and deserves an opportunity.''

Article By SANTOS A. PEREZ

sperez@MiamiHerald.com

Vazquez just might be boxing's most admirable fighter
The best part of this job is access. A regular chance to converse with heroes about what makes them different. Or the same. Somewhere in that intersection -- how normal prizefighters consider themselves; how different the rest of us think they are -- is a comment on the human condition.

Making comments, of course, is the job. Except when you are with a prizefighter. Then, listening is much more important because writers who tell fighters things worry about what they're going to say more than they listen to what is said. Just like in life.

But there are those occasions when a writer is justified in saying something to a fighter. That's what this is about.

Early last week I got a press release from Desert Diamond Casino. It gave a general summary of the upcoming week's activities and included an unexpected treat. Israel Vazquez would be in Tucson as part of Golden Boy Promotions' fight week program.

Friday came and so did the drive to Tucson. The Sonora Desert doesn't change much over the 100-mile stretch between Phoenix and Desert Diamond, and there was plenty of time for reflection.

That returned me to a significantly colder place: Home Depot Center in March. Southern California is not the Arctic, but in March it was not warm. After the best fight we might see for 10 years, Vazquez-Marquez III, the media assembled in a conference room beside the tennis stadium -- as much for its warmth as what the participants might say.

Some of us needed a quote for our ringside reports, others material for a column. What we got was Team Marquez storming the room. Gary Shaw's permascowl and Jaime Quintana's ugly petulance. Rafael Marquez's dwindled sportsmanship could be forgiven -- he had taken hundreds of blows, after all. But his promoter and manager were a different story.

That night Israel Vazquez, when he was allowed to speak, set a new standard of decency.

As I drove toward Tucson four months later, I looked forward to measuring Vazquez. I wanted to know if he was as noble, alone, as he looked by contrast in March.

I arrived and took my seat at ringside. From Arizona to California to Nevada to Texas, there's not a better media section than at Desert Diamond. The cast of characters is always the same -- a bunch of young, witty scribes. A few of them had talked to Vazquez at Thursday's weigh-in. I was curious what they thought of him.

"You're going to like him," one volunteered. "Ask him a question, and he talks and talks," another answered.

In the night's co-main event, Jhonny Gonzalez needed less than a round to go through Leivi Brea. Since Gonzalez and Vazquez made the best fight any of us actually saw in 2006, and since Gonzalez has often said he wants a rematch, I shuffled back toward the dressing rooms with Vazquez on my mind.

He was on Gonzalez's mind too.

For the second part of this CBSSports article CLICK HERE

Israel Vazquez Hosts Kids Boxing Clinic On Wednesday
LOS ANGELES, CA (June 4, 2008) World Boxing Council Super Bantamweight Champion Israel Vazquez will host a youth boxing clinic at the TKO Boxing Club in Santa Ana on Wednesday, June 4th at 4pm. The club is located at 726 S. Center St. in Santa Ana, California.

Vazquez will speak to the kids about his career in boxing and demonstrate some training techniques that have made him one of the sport’s elite fighters.

“Luis Ramos is a training partner of mine, he and Hector Lopez who runs the gym asked me to come and spend some time with the kids in the boxing camps” said Vazquez.

Said manager Frank Espinoza, “Israel is taking a nice break from the rigors of training for a fight, he’s got some friends who run TKO and he was happy when they asked him to come to the club and speak to the kids.”

Vazquez is coming off a legendary three fight trilogy with Rafael Marquez that saw “MAGNIFICO” demonstrate the highest levels of skills and heart, culminating in their third bout on March 1, 2008, won by Vazquez when he scored a knock down in the final brutal round.

After losing the first bout on March 3, 2007, Vazquez won the second matchup in spectacular fashion on August 4th with a devastating sixth round knockout in a bout that was named 2007 “FIGHT OF THE YEAR” by Ring Magazine.

The trilogy has become amongst the most talked about series of bouts in the annals of the sport with each fighter winning one by stoppage and Vazquez winning the third bout by decision.

Continued Espinoza, “It’s only been three months since the grueling last fight with Marquez. Izzy’s enjoying the time off with his family. When the time is right, he’ll get back to training and prepare once again to give boxing fans his finest performance.”

In addition to holding the WBC title, Vazquez is also rated on the “Pound for Pound lists; # 6 with Ring Magazine and Yahoo Sports and #8 by ESPN.

In a final word to his fans, the classy Vaszquez said, “Please don’t forget about me, I’m just taking a little bit of time off to spend with my family. I’m looking for big fights and great things in the future and as always thanks very much for your continued support.”

Vazquez tops Marquez in classic!
One of boxing's greatest trilogies ended tonight in Carson, California, when WBC super bantamweight champion Israel Vazquez (43-4, 32 KO's) won a twelve round split decision over former champion Rafael Marquez (37-5, 33 KO's). Once again the fighters began trading shots at the bell. Marquez landed a higher volume of punches while Vazquez landed the harder blows. Marquez dropped Vazquez with a barrage of punches in round four, but Vazquez fought back fiercely. The action went back and forth as both fighters continually rocked each other with big shots. Marquez was deducted a point in round ten by referee Pat Russell for a low blow. Vazquez battered Marquez in the final round, dropping Marquez just before the bell. Scores were 113-112, 114-111 Vazquez, 114-111 Marquez.

For a full indepth fight report visit fightnews.com......... [HERE]

(Article courtesy of fightnews.com)

[Media Update]
-Photos & Videos added 7th March 2008-

Sponsors Wanted!
The Espinoza boxing club would like to invite you to be apart of the much anticipated WBC Super bantamweight championship bout Vazquez - Marquez III.The fight will be shown live on Showtime with 3 additional 24/7 behind the scenes episodes to be aired in the approaching weeks of the fight.

The previous bouts have both won huge acclaim in the world of boxing with Vazquez – Marquez II having recently been voted as fight of the year by the World Boxing Hall of Fame as well as other well respected areas of the boxing media.

Any parties interested in potentially sponsoring Team Vazquez then we encourage you to contact us at frankespinoza2006@gmail.com

(Please serious enquiries only)

Vazquez, Marquez Pass 30-Day WBC Weigh-in!
Vazquez, Marquez Pass 30-Day WBC Weigh-in Recommend this page Printable version Search BoxingScene Database Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez successfully completed their World Boxing Council (WBC) mandatory pre weigh in one month before their third and final clash, Saturday, March 1 from the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. and live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

Vazquez weighed in at 129 ½ pounds, well below the allowed limit of 134 pounds, at South El Monte Boxing Gym, in Los Angeles under the direction of WBC supervisor Rudy Tellez.

Marquez weighed in at 128 pounds at the Romanza Gym in Mexico City, Mexico. The weigh in was supervised by Juventino Martinez, Victor Cota and Federico Henriquez, all members of the WBC.

Both fighters are in tremendous shape and training hard for the most anticipated rubber match in recent boxing history. Vazquez and Marquez I and II produced the most exciting, bloody, give-and-take slugfests of 2007, with the second bout winning Fight of the Year honors. Now they battle for the WBC and The Ring Magazine 122-pound titles in the third and final chapter of boxing’s best rivalry in recent memory in Vazquez-Marquez III “Final Confrontation.’’

(Article courtesy of boxingscene.com)

Vazquez - Marquez II fight of the year!
The votes are in and the experts agree. The epic rematch between Israel "Magnifico" Vazquez and Rafael Marquez which happened in August has been named "fight of the year" by The Ring Magazine, Yahoo Sports, El Esto newspaper and the World Boxing Council as well as by various online boxing outlets. The action packed third round was also named "round of the year".

The World Boxing Hall of Fame bestowed Vazquez and Marquez with the same honor in October. "I'm thrilled by all the attention. If a third fight between Rafael and I happens I promise everyone the same type of intense action," stated Vazquez who recently shot a pictorial for a feature on Sports Illustrated en Espanol. "I want to thank all the fans for their support and wish them a Merry Christmas and a happy 2008."

Israel defeats Marquez!
August 4th 2007 in the Dodge Arena Texas, Israel Vazquez answered his critics by winning the much anticipated rematch with Rafael Marquez to reclaim the WBC Super Bantamweight world title and making it 1-1 between the two fighters. Israel floored Marquez early in the 6th round and then went on to stop Marquez a few moments later.

After the fight in interviews with Showtime both fighters stated that they would want a 3rd fight to round off the trilogy!

Vazquez vs Marquez II
The long awaited rematch against Rafael Marquez has now been confirmed and scheduled for August 4th 2007, the fight will be broadcasted LIVE on Showtime where Israel will be looking to recapture his WBC Super Bantamweight title he lost in the first meeting.

Vazquez vs Marquez II
It is confirmed that Israel Vazquez will be fighting Rafael Marquez in a rematch on a yet to be decided date.

In the first encounter despite Marquez breaking Israel's nose early in the fight he fought on and even dropped Marquez to the floor, however Israel lost the fight in a 7th round TKO as he was unable to breath. Israel has since had surgery to repair the shattered nose and remove the blood clots / cartilage that was making him unable to breath. Doctors have been pleased with the progress and anticipate Israel being able to return much sooner than the original expected 6 or 7 month's.

Vazquez vs Marquez is on!
It is now confirmed and a done deal! Israel Vazquez will be back in the ring March 3rd for the eagerly anticipated bout against Rafael Marquez live on Showtime.

Vazquez wins in Las Vegas, What's next?
Israel Vazquez fights back from being down on points to defeat Jhonny Gonzalez by TKO in the 10th round for what was an epic battle. Now Israel looks to build on his victory by stating in an interview with Fight News that he wants to take on the best, his target? Rafael Marquez.

For the entire interview with Fight News see here - [Launch]