Israel Vazquez on the Marquez trilogy!
By Ace Freeman (05-Apr-2008)

Hear about Israel Vazquez's closing thoughts on the Rafael Marquez trilogy, as well as the possibility of a fourth fight. Manny Pacquaio is high atop his wish list, and the Featherweight division may be on deck. All this and more, only on FightFan.com!

FF: In the twelfth round of your latest fight vs. Rafael Marquez, the fight and the entire trilogy was on the line when the bell rang. How did you summon that kind of ferocious effort after the previous eleven rounds? Where does something like that comes from?

IV: My corner told me the fight was really close and I had to go out there and leave it all in the ring. I was tired but knew I was in good condition. To be honest I just wanted it more. I didn’t care what Marquez had to offer, I had it in my mind that I wanted to knock him out. I’ve worked so hard to get to this point that I refused to lose.

FF: Tell us what you think about Rafael as a fighter now that you’ve been in the ring three times with him?

IV: Marquez is a true Mexican warrior with a huge heart. There is no doubt Marquez has earned my respect, inside the ring and outside of it.

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FF: Israel thanks for taking the time to catch up with the FightFans at FightFan.com How are you feeling now that some time has passed after your grueling third fight with Rafael Marquez?

IV: I’m feeling very good. I have just been relaxing at home with my family and enjoying my vacation.

FF: Your trilogy with Marquez is going to go down as one of the best of this era. What are your reflections on it now that it is over?

IV: Well I’ll admit I have seen the videos quite a few times and the fights are fun to watch. I knew going in that it was going to be a war, but I was ready for it. I had always dreamed of being in a fight like that and it came true. It was a honor to be a part of it.

FF: Tell us what you think about Rafael as a fighter now that you’ve been in the ring three times with him?

IV: Marquez is a true Mexican warrior with a huge heart. There is no doubt, Marquez has earned my respect, inside the ring and outside of it.

FF: In the twelfth round of your latest fight vs. Rafael Marquez, the fight and the entire trilogy was on the line when the bell rang. How did you summon that kind of ferocious effort after the previous eleven rounds? Where does something like that comes from?

IV: My corner told me the fight was really close and I had to go out there and leave it all in the ring. I was tired but knew I was in good condition. To be honest I just wanted it more. I didn’t care what Marquez had to offer, I had it in my mind that I wanted to knock him out. I’ve worked so hard to get to this point that I refused to lose.

FF: It was a very close fight, and when it’s all said and done, you two and your styles were very evenly matched. Do you feel a fourth fight is a possibility when it’s clear you could possibly go on fighting tough fights like that forever?

IV: If the fans want to see a fourth fight I will do it. I’m all about giving the fans the fights they want to see.

FF: Those were three brutal fights. Do you feel they have taken anything out of you or shortened your career as you hear some people speculate?

IV: Well there is no doubt they were tough fights. But I feel I will be fine. I’m taking a long break to give my body a rest. I feel I have much more to offer and time will tell.

FF: I know it’s up to promoters etc, but if you got to pick… who are some names you would like to see yourself fight in the next year?

IV: I would love to fight Manny Pacquaio. He’s a former sparring partner of mine and a friend. There is no doubt Manny is one of the best in the sport and I would love to fight him. I also wouldn’t mind fighting Jorge Linares.

FF: Is a move up to featherweight on your mind? When might that happen?

IV: Yes, it is. I would like to make the move soon. I will need to consult with my manager and promoter before any decision is made.

FF: Who do you think won the Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez rematch?

IV: I thought it was a close and exciting fight and could have gone either way.

FF: Is there anything you’d like to say to the FightFans in closing?

IV: I would like to thank my fans for supporting me and I hope they enjoyed the fight. I dedicated that fight to all the fans!

FF: Thank you Israel, you are a GREAT champion!

IV: Thank you and thanks to all the fans!

Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Frankie Espinoza for his assistance with this interview