Avila Perspective, Chap. 307: Destination Puerto Rico, Israel Vazquez and More

Avila Perspective, Chap. 307: Destination Puerto Rico, Israel Vazquez and More

Liam Paro the saucy Aussie from Brisbane surprised the world in his last effort. He’s back for more.

Paro (25-0, 15 KOs) defends the IBF super lightweight world title against Brooklyn’s Richardson Hutchins (18-0, 7 KOs) whose arms are as long as his first name. The Matchroom Boxing card will be shown from San Juan, Puerto Rico on DAZN.

The last time Paro fought also took place in Puerto Rico when he upset then-champion Subriel Matias last June. It was like watching Bambi beat up the big bad wolf.

How did he do it?

The southpaw Aussie (pictured on the left) used a persistent attack that emphasized quick punches while pressing forward against the powerful Matias. Leverage was his game and he maintained the pace for 12 rounds to lift the title from the Puerto Rican.

The challenger Hitchins poses a different threat. Though he won a close decision in his last fight against Argentine slugger Gustavo Lemos, the Brooklyn fighter used his length and clinches to nullify the constant attacks.

When Paro and Hitchins meet, both like to clinch on the inside. Its when they fight at arms-length that the battle will be decided.

“Hitchins is mandatory for a reason. He’s worked his way up there, and we know that this isn’t an easy task. We’re at the world level now where every fighter is elite,” said Paro.

For Hitchins the opportunity arrived quickly.

“I respect Liam, because he’s not one of those guys that will mess around,” explained Hitchins. “Liam has never been in the ring with an opponent like me.”

Also on the Matchroom card, lightweight Marc Castro (13-0, 8 KOs) meets Agustin Quintana (20-2-1, 13 KOs); super feather Hector Lebron (19-0, 10 KOs) meets Christopher Diaz-Velez (29-4, 19 KOs); and flyweight Yankiel Rivera (6-0, 2 KOs) fights Angel Gonzalez (14-0, 7 KOs).

Israel Vazquez R.I.P.

In the boxing world, not every champion becomes financially rich. Some like Israel Vazquez become rich in adulation and respect. Few prizefighters were as beloved as Vazquez.

The Mexico City native was perhaps the greatest ambassador of boxing. Wherever he went fans were drawn to his smile and friendliness. Everywhere I encountered Vazquez fans surrounded him like a long-lost cousin.

Sometimes I wondered how this humble human being could be the same beast in the boxing ring that fought epic battles against many of the best fighters of the early 2000s. Vazquez was like a werewolf once he put on those gloves.

Managed by Frank Espinoza and son he quickly developed a fan base in the Southern California area. Nothing came easy for Vazquez though he was trained by legendary Freddie Roach, it seemed Vazquez was always destined to encounter crazy obstacles.

I vividly remember at the Arrowhead Pond, Sycuan Casino, and especially Fantasy Springs when he was there as a spectator and one of the fighters did not appear. Vazquez was there about to eat a hot dog with relish and was asked if he could fight? He put on his trunks and gloves and won the fight.

Who does that?

His battles with Oscar Larios and Rafael Marquez were some of the most brutal yet captivating boxing wars ever seen. I remember his third fight with Larios taking place in Las Vegas. He was a 5 to 1 underdog. It didn’t make sense. Vazquez won by knockout.

I attended three of his four battles with Marquez. The first one took place at the Home Depot Center now called the Dignity Health Sports Park. The two Mexico City super bantams savagely slugged it out. But Vazquez suffered a severe broken nose and could not breathe. The fight was stopped and I remember the HBO announcers criticizing his manhood for not continuing.

Vazquez went on to defeat Marquez twice in subsequent fights that were all captivating wars and emblazoned both their names in history. No other battles could match their ferocity.

Yet, outside of the boxing ring, Vazquez was revered and beloved as the most kind and generous fighter.

The last time I saw Vazquez was at a Hall of Fame luncheon in Commerce, California a year ago. He asked if it was okay to sit next to me. Me a nobody and him a Hall of Fame fighter. I was invited by Nancy Rodriguez, another wonderful human being and a boxing official, to attend the luncheon. I always feel tongue-tied sitting next to greatness. It was the last time I spoke to Vazquez.

The fighter known as “El Magnifico” fought for the last time in 2010 at Staples Center. His eye was badly cut and his manager Frank Espinoza retired the revered champion. Three years later, I ran into Vazquez at a boxing card in Cancun, Mexico. I couldn’t find my transportation and there was El Magnifico about to enter a taxi cab with six other people. He spotted me and said to join them in the cab. But there was not enough room. He offered his spot in the cab. I told him “no thank you, those are your friends but thanks for the kind offer.”

That was Israel Vazquez. One of the best human beings I ever met.

Top Rank in Arizona

Two world title fights headline a Top Rank card in Phoenix on Saturday, Dec. 7. ESPN will show the pivotal matches.

WBO featherweight titlist Rafael Espinoza (25-0 21 KOs) defends against Cuba’s Robeisy Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs) whom he wrested the title from a year ago.

“I’ve always wanted a rematch. because it was a war where we both gave everything. So, he deserved it, I deserved it, and the people deserved it,” said Espinoza.

Mexico’s Espinoza has a long reach and power that kept Ramirez off-balance when they fought in 2023. It should be a very interesting rematch.

Another rematch pits Oscar Valdez (32-2,24 KOs) against WBO super featherweight titlist Emanuel Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) who defeated him when they met in August 2023. Their first encounter was brutal.

“It’s going be difficult for both me and Valdez. However, we don’t need much. All we need is for the bell to ring for us to go to war,” said Navarrete.

Fights to Watch

Sat. DAZN 4 p.m. Liam Paro (25-0) vs Richardson Hitchins (18-0).

Sat. ESPN 7:30 p.m. Emanuel Navarrete (38-2-1) vs Oscar Valdez (32-2); Rafael Espinoza (25-0) vs Robeisy Ramirez (14-2).

Photo credit: Melina Pizano / Matchroom

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