Connect with us

Articles of 2006

Israel “El Magnifico” Vazquez’s Win Fight of the Year?

Published

on

WBC junior featherweight world champion Israel Vazquez’s smashing come-from-behind victory left boxing fans with a euphoric feeling despite the letdown of the more publicized main event.

Fans walking around the MGM Grand couldn’t talk enough about Vazquez withstanding two vicious knockdowns from Jhonny Gonzalez, a tall skinny knockout artist from Mexico City. It was the cherry on top of the cake for boxing fans.

The afternoon of the fight, thousands of people arrived in the casino eagerly anticipating the loaded fight card that featured three world title bouts. The more publicized match featured Marco Antonio Barrera in a rematch against Rocky Juarez. That bout didn’t meet expectations.

Another bout saw Argentina’s Jorge Barrios lose his WBO junior lightweight world title to Joan Guzman. It was an exciting match that saw the speedy Dominican become the first fighter from his country to win world titles in two separate divisions.

But without a doubt, the collision between Mexico City’s two reigning warriors Vazquez and Gonzalez met its explosive expectations.

Gonzalez, who’s no stranger to Southern California with appearances in Temecula, San Jacinto and Hollywood, had risen to enormous heights since he first fought in California back in 2001 as a skinny teen anxious to make good in the U.S. Slowly he emerged from dingy boxing clubs in Mexico to more prestigious venues.

Finally, in 2004, he was matched against Chino’s Roger “Speedy” Gonzalez at the Grand Olympic Auditorium. Though he wasn’t expected to win, he blew out Speedy Gonzalez with a blistering two-fisted attack and never looked back. He signed with Golden Boy Promotions and worked his way up the bantamweight rankings.

Last year, in Tucson, Gonzalez traded blasts with Thailand’s Ratanachai Sor Vorapin in a battle of attrition that saw the younger Mexican ultimately win by seventh round knockout. The WBO bantamweight world title was finally his and Mexico City boxing fans adopted him as a favorite son.

Vazquez noticed, but the quiet-spoken Mexico City native, who moved to Southern California more than five years ago, never expressed disappointment.

“They favor him,” Vazquez said succinctly.

Though Vazquez was named Fighter of the Year in 2005 by several publications, in Mexico City he was forgotten.

During the ring announcements on Saturday, Gonzalez received the louder cheers. Vazquez raised his right glove to his fans but the decibel level for his cheers weren’t at the same level as his opponent’s.

The two Mexico City combatants entered the first round with the same deliberate and tactical precision. Few blows were exchanged but the few that were fired crackled with intensity not seen in the other fights that night. But fans booed. They wanted reckless abandon not tactical brilliance. Meanwhile Gonzalez and Vazquez probed each other’s fighting style looking for loopholes.

In the fourth round a wide swinging left hook caught Vazquez high on the temple and down he went. He looked more upset than dazed from the blow and tried to rally but was unable to penetrate Gonzalez’s long-armed defense.

Once again a wide left hook knocked down Vazquez in the sixth round, but this time the WBC junior featherweight world champion looked dazed and worried. He was behind on all three judges’ scorecards even at the end of the fight. The crowd sensed the beginning of the end for the fighter known as “El Magnifico.”

As many anticipated a knockout win for Gonzalez, the smaller Vazquez suddenly entered the seventh round with a reckless abandon for defense and during a furious exchange he connected with a booming right hand that dropped Gonzalez on the seat of his boxing trunks.

From there on Vazquez controlled the distance and pace with laser-like precision. In the 10th round a series of left hand blows snapped Gonzalez’s head back and he crumbled to the canvas. As the referee counted, Gonzalez’s trainer yelled out to halt the fight. Now, Vazquez is once again the hero of Mexico City and to boxing fans everywhere.

“The plan was to go to the body and break him down. It didn’t go that way,” said Freddie Roach, Vazquez’s trainer. “Israel started real slow and sluggish. In the end he came on strong and took over.”

Boxing experts concurred that Vazquez’s come-from behind victory was special.

“That could be the Fight of the Year,” said Doug Fisher of Maxboxing.com.

Others agreed.

Frank Espinoza, who manages Vazquez and Martin Castillo, said the team is searching for the suitable opponent after the big win.

“He wants to explore the 126-pound division,” said Espinoza. “He deserves to fight for the big money.”

A number of options are available for Vazquez including a meeting with IBF bantamweight titleholder Rafael Marquez, or moving up and meeting fighters such as WBA titleholder Chris John, IBF titleholder Robert Guerrero, WBC titleholder Rudy Lopez of Mexico or WBO interim champ Juan Manuel Marquez.

“Right now he’s really at his peak,” Espinoza said.

Fights on television

Fri. Telefutura, 8 p.m., Raul Marquez (37-3) vs. Elco Garcia (18-5).

Fri. Telemundo, 11:30 p.m., Carlos Tamara (12-0) vs. Gerardo Verde (14-3).

Sat. HBO, 10 p.m., Jorge Arce (44-3-1) vs. Masibulele Makepula (28-3); replay of Marco Antonio Barrera (63-4) vs. Rocky Juarez (25-3).

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles7 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles5 days ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles1 week ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles6 days ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles2 days ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles1 day ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles1 hour ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles1 day ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles2 days ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles5 days ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles6 days ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles7 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles1 week ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending