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WBC Super Bantamweight Champion Israel Vazquez faces IBF Bantamweight Champion Rafael Marquez on Showtime Boxing
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00:00Six months ago Israel Vasquez cemented his position as the premier super bantamweight in the world by rising from the deck to stop bantamweight title list Johnny Gonzalez.
00:10Tonight Vasquez faces another bantamweight title list in an effort to establish himself as not just a champion but a pound for pound star.
00:18But this bantamweight title list Rafael Marquez is the finest fighter Vasquez has ever faced.
00:25Can you make seven defenses of the 118 pound world title clearly establish yourself as the top bantamweight in the world and still be in position to take a giant step forward with an impressive win in tonight's career defining fight Rafael Marquez can secure his status on the coveted pound for pound list and take his place alongside some of the best Mexican champions of this generation.
00:49Well Al on paper this fight appears to be too close to call there's just no clear cut favorite.
00:57There really isn't they are both so good they are both in their prime and that's absolutely true and you know not only are these two men courageous and powerful in the ring they're also both highly skilled technicians and they're almost mere images of each other.
01:10In fact for the first time in my 26 years as a boxing commentator tonight I've arrived at identical keys to victory for each fighter.
01:25Marquez wants to use the jab in this fight but he can be countered off a lazy jab with the right hand.
01:32Marquez works both hands to the body and he can make an impact tonight with that attack.
01:37He has a lightning quick left hook and he can land it in a unique way following a jab.
01:44He surprised Silence Mabuza with that combination early in their first fight.
01:50It helped turn this match and it could easily do the same thing against Vasquez.
01:56Well these keys should certainly sound familiar.
02:06If a Vasquez jab lingers out there Marquez will counter with the right hand as well.
02:11Vasquez a terrific body puncher who can turn fights with this attack.
02:17And if he scores a knockout tonight I believe it will start with the left hook.
02:22Silence Mabuza hit Marquez with that punch.
02:24Here a right hand by Johnny Gonzalez was not quick enough and came up a little bit short.
02:31Vasquez countered with a left hook.
02:34The effect like most big Vasquez hooks was significant.
02:38He needs to land this punch tonight to beat Marquez.
02:42Well he's the slight betting favorite friendly but very focused and serious Rafael Marquez
02:51who brings a gladiator mentality after training in the solitude and 10 mile high altitude of the Mexican mountains.
02:59He hears it from the crowd while he was in the mountains staying in a rustic cabin with no electricity, no running water.
03:07The well schooled vicious punching Marquez not unlike Vasquez said he was willing to give his life for this fight
03:16which undeniably reflects the intense passion and pride.
03:21Yeah one of the questions we had was who would the fans here be more interested in and give their support to
03:28because both Vasquez and Marquez Mexican fighter, large Mexican community here.
03:33Certainly so far Marquez getting a very warm response from this crowd.
03:37Over seven years since he's tasted defeat 15 straight wins 8-0 in title fights but none bigger than this one.
03:45Yeah it's his time to shine.
03:59So a nice reception for Rafael Marquez from the crowd
04:03and here's the affable soft-spoken two-time world champion Israel Vasquez
04:07the man at Super Bantamweight came to the U.S. in 98 lives in the L.A. suburb of Huntington Park
04:14but he is clearly getting a bigger ovation from the crowd than Marquez did.
04:20The guy who used to live in a funeral home in Mexico City where his father still works.
04:26Hasn't lost in five years. He's won nine in a row
04:29including that fight of the year candidate with Johnny Gonzalez
04:33which personified his guts and determination.
04:37Now as he makes his way up the steps into the ring Al
04:42after much speculation and controversy
04:44trainer extraordinaire Freddie Roach is with him tonight.
04:48After the fight he'll get back with Oscar de la Hoya
04:51in preparation for that mega fight with Floyd Mayweather.
04:54How significant is that?
04:55Well they're very happy to have him here. There was some doubt about it
04:58but also a part of the story is that Roach hasn't been with him for about
05:03a 10 or 12 day period while he was with De La Hoya on the big press jug
05:07and so let's see if that has some impact on how well he can execute what Roach has taught him.
05:12There's Freddie just behind him in the glasses.
05:15Vasquez feels that Marquez will simply not be able to take his punch.
05:19He predicted a KO in seven. Marquez's response, how do you know it'll go? Seven.
05:26A fight many feel had to happen.
05:29Two of the elite in the lower weight classes both on scorching hot streets.
05:40And let's size them up.
05:42We go to the tail of the tape.
05:43Vasquez almost three years younger as Marquez turns 32 later this month.
05:47And while Vasquez is the true 122-pounder, it's Marquez with the slight one-inch height advantage
05:53plus the inch-and-a-half edge in reach.
05:55And at yesterday's weigh-in, both just under the 122-pound weight limit.
06:00And the key unified rules for this world title fight, there's no standing eight count,
06:05no three-knockdown rule.
06:06A fighter cannot be saved by the bell in any round.
06:08If an accidental headbutt causes a fight to end within four rounds, it's a no decision.
06:14After four rounds, they go to the scorecards.
06:17And if a punch causes a cut and the injured fighter can't continue, he loses by TKO.
06:22So here at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California, getting ready for our main event,
06:35Israel Vasquez versus Rafael Marquez for the WBC Super Bantamweight Championship.
06:41Let's get the official introductions from our ring announcer, the classy Jimmy Lennon Jr.
06:45Ladies and gentlemen, we welcome you to the Home Depot Center here in Carson, California
06:58for the much-anticipated featured bout of the evening brought to you by Gary Shaw Productions,
07:05Saquon Ringside Promotions, and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Rockstar Energy Drink,
07:12AEG, and Showtime.
07:15Well, fans, this bout is sanctioned by the WBC.
07:18Resident Jose Suleiman's supervisors are Lee Peters and Rudy Tellez.
07:23Along with the California State Athletic Commission, the executive officer is Armando Garcia.
07:29Our physicians at ringside, Dr. Paul Wallace, Dr. Pearlman Hicks, and Dr. Blair Cranston.
07:34Timekeepers at the bell, also keeping count of the knockdowns, John Lichty and Mike Millsap.
07:40Introducing to you our three judges scoring this bout from ringside.
07:44From Las Vegas, Nevada, Dave Moretti.
07:47From Valencia, California, Jack Reese.
07:50And from La Mesa, California, Patrick Russell.
07:55And at this time, we present our third man in the ring, the referee in charge, from West Covina,
07:59California, Raul Cais Jr.
08:02All right, fans, here we go with our main event of the evening.
08:1012 rounds of boxing for the WBC Super Bantamweight Championship of the World.
08:16And now, ladies and gentlemen in attendance and boxing fans joining us around the world,
08:22live from the Home Depot setter, it's showtime!
08:36Introducing to you first, the challenger on my lap, riding into the blue corner,
08:40wearing black trunks with white trim, hailing from Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico.
08:49He weighed in at 121 and one-half pounds, with a record of 36 wins and three losses.
08:56He has 32 big wins coming by way of knockout tonight.
09:00He moves up in weight and challenges for the title.
09:04Ladies and gentlemen, here is the IBF and IBO Bantamweight Champion of the World.
09:11Introducing, Rafael Pérez.
09:23And his opponent across the ring on my right, the defending world champion,
09:27fighting out of the red corner, wearing blue trunks with silver trim,
09:32fighting out of Los Angeles, California, by way of Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico.
09:39He weighed in at a ready 121 and three-quarter pounds.
09:43His record stands at 41 wins, three losses, 31 wins coming by way of knockout.
09:50Ladies and gentlemen, tonight he is making the sixth defense of his title.
09:54Here is the WBC Super Bantamweight Champion of the World.
09:59Introducing, Israel Magnifique Basque.
10:11And once again, a referee in charge, Raul Kais Jr., now to give instructions.
10:17Six seconds only, please.
10:19Protector. Protector. Protector, por favor.
10:22Protector. Protector. Protector. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. My. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety. Variety.
10:52even more intense each round here we go Marquez in the black Vasquez in the blue the champion
11:01Israel Vasquez who can change a fight with one punch said he'll look to get inside and apply
11:06pressure you don't want to get too close to Vasquez Marquez has dramatically improved his boxing IQ
11:14and combines skill with extraordinary power in both hands a very accurate combination puncher
11:22in this early going several things to look for Marquez wants to just have the slightest of
11:29movement to make sure he's not standing right in front of Vasquez Vasquez wants to jab his way
11:34in when he's gonna attack so we'll see if both men are doing that we'll look to see if Marquez can
11:43absorb Vasquez's punching power and will his punches be just as strong at super bantam weight as they
11:49were at bantam interestingly Vasquez said Marquez fades as the fight goes on as the fight progresses
11:59but I'm not so sure about that well we'll see you know there may be lapses and we'll get into that a
12:04little later for Marquez but these early rounds really important for Marquez he wants to get on
12:10the scorecard and take advantage of the fact that maybe he will start a little quicker we'll see if
12:15he can do that right now very even first round though Vasquez I think has been a little sharper
12:20Marquez wants to control the action much like Johnny Gonzalez did earlier on against Vasquez until Vasquez
12:28solved that puzzle and got inside on the long tall Johnny Gonzalez these fighters are perfectly matched it's
12:37really interesting even in his first round which hasn't produced wild fireworks but good solid action
12:42you can see they are both matched very well in terms of their styles and you know it'll be interesting
12:48recently Vasquez stopped Gonzalez Yvonne Hernandez there's Marquez with the left hand upstairs they
12:58both traded left hooks there both landed and that's the punch I'm telling you if there's a knockout in this
13:03fight I believe it will come from the left hook of one of these two fighters Vasquez missing with
13:08a slashing right landed with a left hand Vasquez is trying very hard to get downstairs with that left to
13:19the body blood already from the the nose of Israel Vasquez and there's a hard left hand to the chest area by
13:26Marquez and a double left hook to the body by Marquez that was a combination before that a jab and
13:35then a left hand by Marquez the kind that he can land so effectively it's finding a hole early final
13:42seconds of round one here comes Marquez with a beautiful combination to the head now a left uppercut
13:49to the jaw it backs up Vasquez so a fight breaks out right away and Vasquez in some trouble a big right
13:56hand by Marquez hurt him it jolted Israel Vasquez big round for Marquez
14:19they traded left hooks early in the round Vasquez's landed and then Marquez's did and Marquez's left I
14:42think created the blood around the nose but later on it would be a straight right hand by Marquez
14:48after the jab that would stun Israel Vasquez and the early engine power goes to Marquez Vasquez his
15:00knees actually buckling in that scenario round two but you can never count Vasquez out because of his
15:07power two guys with questionable defenses which makes this so exciting let's see how Vasquez reacts after
15:15being rocked towards the end of that first round
15:18so as advertised they both come out throwing and Marquez so far with the upper hand
15:29and they're both such good ring technicians especially offensively it's like watching a clinic of good boxing
15:37and you know that's the right hand of the jaw by Marquez the uppercut's the wild card both men have a good uppercut they have to be careful when they throw it to leave not leave themselves open Vasquez is finding out that Marquez does indeed have power in both hands and remember in some ways this fight is going on
15:44in many peopland men have to be careful when they throw it to leave not leave themselves open Vasquez is finding out that Marquez does indeed have power in both hands and remember in some ways this fight is going to form many people thought Marquez would do better in the early going the question is could he win this fight
15:49And, you know, that's the wild card in this fight.
15:52Big right hand to the jaw by Marquez.
15:54The uppercut's the wild card.
15:56Both men have a good uppercut.
15:57They have to be careful when they throw it
15:59to not leave themselves open.
16:01And Vasquez is finding out that Marquez
16:02does indeed have power in both hands.
16:05And remember, in some ways, this fight is going to form.
16:09Many people thought Marquez would do better
16:11in the early going.
16:12The question is, could he win this fight in the early going
16:15and not let Vasquez later on come on?
16:18Yeah, once again, you can never count a guy like Vasquez out.
16:23Anytime you have a puncher like Vasquez,
16:26he's always in it.
16:29He could be way behind, and he's still in it.
16:36Inside uppercut by Marquez.
16:40Vasquez blocking that jab.
16:44Vasquez trying to settle down and find the openings.
16:48Marquez pushes Vasquez back with a double jab.
16:53Now Vasquez counters with a triple jab.
16:55Another jab got through that time by Vasquez.
17:00Right now, a slight edge in hand speed to Rafael Marquez,
17:04and he's throwing better combinations,
17:06and that's what's making the difference
17:07in his first couple of rounds.
17:09Vasquez digging in with uppercuts on the inside.
17:17Nice, strong jab by Marquez.
17:20Now Vasquez on the inside is throwing that hook to the body.
17:23He wants to come with the double left hook,
17:25and I think that's part of the way of setting it up.
17:27Heavy right, straight right by Marquez that landed to the jaw.
17:30One, two, three, three, four, five.
17:36No.
17:36That's because tasting a lot of leather here in the first two rounds.
17:42The last round and a half,
17:43Rafael Marquez has been as good as he could possibly be.
17:47He seemed kind of tight,
17:49but he's not fighting that way.
17:51No, he isn't.
17:54Vasquez seemed the looser of the two, but he is down.
17:57He's behind to this point.
18:11The right.
18:12You need to keep working the right hand.
18:13And then the jab.
18:19You OK?
18:20All right, now, a little Vaseline.
18:34You got it right and then left.
18:37And alive, and alive, Rafa.
18:41Nacho Beristain, the famed trainer from Mexico,
18:43wants more of this punch.
18:44There's an excellent lead right hand by Rafael Marquez.
18:48So early he landed the hook, but then that right hand
18:51has become the weapon du jour for him.
18:55And he lands a good, solid right hand to the head of Vasquez.
18:59Nacho Beristain very responsible for transforming
19:02Rafael Marquez into an excellent boxer.
19:06We already knew he had the power.
19:08But now he's able to combine those two key elements.
19:16Round three.
19:16We thought this fight would turn on who makes either the first mistakes
19:20or the most mistakes.
19:22And right now for Vasquez, part of the reason he's getting hit
19:28with those right hands is one of the keys, his jab's a little lazy
19:33and his left hand's a little bit low.
19:35And Marquez is able to get his right hand in.
19:37And Marquez's punches, not only dangerous,
19:40but they're slashing-type punches.
19:43And they often cause or can exacerbate cuts,
19:46just as silenced Mabuza.
19:52Vasquez was in a very good rhythm for the first part of round one,
19:56but hasn't been since then.
19:58He's been slowed by the punching power of Rafael Marquez.
20:05Now, right in there on the inside,
20:09Vasquez was able to get the right-handed,
20:11but hasn't been able to uncoil the left hook when he's in there.
20:14He needs that punch even more than Marquez.
20:16Marquez with a heavy right.
20:17It sent Vasquez back.
20:20Oh, did that get Vasquez's attention?
20:21Now a left hook to the jaw.
20:23And down goes Marquez!
20:24Vasquez knocks Marquez down!
20:27Four, five, six, seven, eight, eight, eight.
20:32A left hook nailed Marquez,
20:35and he went strolling to the canvas.
20:37Marquez down for the third time in his career.
20:41Round three, with a minute 14 remaining.
20:46And sustained, nonstop, two-way action.
20:51Just when it looked like Marquez was having his way,
20:54down he went.
20:57And he's got a minute to go.
20:59The wrong way.
21:00Vasquez is now uncoiling that left hook,
21:03and that's what made the difference.
21:04He was able to get that punch off.
21:06He was able to get that punch off.
21:11Both these guys have tasted the canvas before.
21:14Both usually come back with renewed vigor.
21:18They prosper from adversity.
21:20We'll see how it affects Marquez.
21:23Vazquez has not been wild in his attack.
21:26He has been cautious.
21:27He knows Marquez is dangerous.
21:29He doesn't want to let the moment pass.
21:31A lot of folks wouldn't be surprised now
21:33if Vazquez went down.
21:3520 seconds left in the third round.
21:39It is as advertised.
21:41Most of the fans here at the Home Depot Center standing.
21:45As we head for the bell in a breakthrough round
21:57for Israel Vazquez.
22:07You're hurting him, but nothing happened.
22:11Nothing happened.
22:12You got to keep going.
22:14When you hit hard, and you got to keep alive
22:17because he throws two.
22:21Are you okay?
22:22Yes.
22:27Rafael Marquez got off to a very good start
22:30in the third round, ripping the uppercuts.
22:33Good combinations by Marquez,
22:35and even hurt Vazquez there with that right hand.
22:38So it looked like Marquez had things well in hand.
22:42However, that left hook on the inside changed the round.
22:48As we know, and you've pointed out,
22:50those left hooks can from Vazquez.
22:55Final instructions from Nacho Beristain,
22:59who said, all right, all right, nothing happened.
23:02He was trying to just calm Rafael Marquez down
23:04as we enter into round four
23:07after a very dramatic third round.
23:10The interesting thing is,
23:11if you had asked people to take a bet,
23:13who would go down in the first five rounds,
23:15they would have probably suggested Vazquez.
23:17And Vazquez was hurt earlier in this fight,
23:20but instead it was Marquez.
23:23So a lot of back and forth, give and take,
23:25just as the two fighters felt it would be.
23:31And as we expected, both men committed
23:33to giving the fans an all-action fight,
23:36and they're living up to that commitment right here.
23:39One thing we've not seen as much from yet
23:42from these fighters is the body work.
23:44They're both great body punches.
23:46And we may start seeing that in the rounds to come.
23:49The fans in unison chanting for Marquez.
23:56The Marquez jab has been very effective,
23:59and probably is out-jabbed Vazquez by just a little bit.
24:05So Marquez down a minute 28 into round three.
24:10A right-left combination,
24:11but the left hook did the damage
24:15after Marquez was pretty much controlling the action.
24:22Marquez drawing blood from Vazquez's nose
24:25late in the first round.
24:29Oh, these are tough, hard inside body shots by Marquez.
24:32It's got Vazquez grimacing.
24:36Now, I thought that the Vazquez left hook
24:40was an important weapon in this fight.
24:42I thought Marquez's left hook might be his major weapon,
24:44but now it appears if he hooks with Vazquez,
24:47Marquez is in a little bit more danger
24:49than he needs to be, Steve.
24:50So I think Nacho Veresteyn rightfully wants the right hand
24:53for Marquez more.
24:55Vazquez trying to weaken Marquez
24:56with blistering shots to the temple.
25:00Vazquez came very close with another one of those left hooks.
25:05The jab of Marquez sending Vazquez back.
25:09What a close round, round four is.
25:12Oh, big swing and a miss.
25:18Combination to the head by Marquez.
25:21Very accurate, sharp, precision-like punches by Marquez.
25:25He's probably scored more clean and hard shots
25:28throughout the fight, although he's the one
25:30that tasted the canvas.
25:32Here's Vazquez.
25:35Again, tasting leather.
25:37Great jab set up at the right.
25:39Wow, nice combinations.
25:41And again, the right hand, the big weapon for Marquez now.
25:45Good rallying by Marquez after a tough third round
25:49in which he went down.
25:54Marquez showing a lot of points.
25:57Able to regroup well.
26:09Hey, bro.
26:15When you're on the inside with this man,
26:17you better get off your combinations.
26:19Don't let him get off first.
26:21Okay?
26:22Alright?
26:23On the inside, you're going to let your hands go, okay?
26:25Alright.
26:26Let's go, bro.
26:27When you're on the inside, you're letting him get off first.
26:30Once you get off first, okay?
26:32Yes.
26:33Okay.
26:34The left hand.
26:35You've got to throw the left hand.
26:37Okay?
26:38Okay.
26:39Okay.
26:40Okay.
26:41The left hand.
26:42You've got to throw the left hand.
26:44Just keep him away with the left hand.
26:46Keep jabbing.
26:47And then the right hand.
26:49Left, left, and then the upper, and then the right.
26:51Combination.
26:52Venga, Rafita, venga.
26:53No pasa nada.
26:54Our translator, Felix de Jesus.
26:57Israel Vasquez understands English,
26:59but he responds in Spanish.
27:01Rafael Marquez does not speak English.
27:04Neither of these fighters have ever lost a title match.
27:06Six and O.
27:07And he's got to throw the left hand.
27:08Just keep him away with the left hand.
27:09Keep jabbing.
27:10And then the right hand.
27:11Left, left, left, and then the upper,
27:12and then the right.
27:13Combination.
27:14Eight no for Vasquez.
27:15Eight no for Marquez.
27:16Even if there's a draw, that record will change tonight.
27:19Oh, nice left-right combination by Israel Vasquez.
27:24Back comes Rafael Marquez with a combination of his own.
27:27Oh, a big right hand up.
27:29The combination by Marquez.
27:32Tremendous give and take.
27:34Nacho Beristain rightfully wanting Marquez to use the jab a lot.
27:38That will set up the right hand.
27:39That will set up the right hand.
27:40And Freddie Roach correct.
27:41Vazquez cannot let Marquez get off first all the time in this fight.
27:45A lot of people comparing this early on to Castillo Corrales one,
27:50and it's starting to take on that special feeling.
27:53I think the trick for Vasquez in this fight is to get in position inside where he can again keep throwing those hooks.
27:59That's his ticket in this fight.
28:01He won't out-box Marquez from the outside, just as he couldn't do that against Johnny Gonzalez.
28:06Presto scoring, it's close.
28:10Marquez by one point right across the board.
28:12Carlos...
28:13Exactly the way I have it.
28:14Carlos Arias, Orange County Register.
28:17Steve Kim, MaxBoxing.com.
28:19Lance Pugmire from the L.A. Times.
28:21Don't pegue la tras, okay?
28:22Don't pegue la tras, okay?
28:23Don't pegue la tras.
28:25Warning to Israel Vasquez from referee Ryan Keyes Jr.
28:28Getting behind the head.
28:33Vasquez pushing Marquez back.
28:35Now, that was a good right hand from Vasquez.
28:37That's not his primary weapon in this fight, but he has a good right hand.
28:40Right uppercut, right on the chin by Rafael Marquez.
28:45They continue to trade vicious punches.
28:53Wow, there's the body work by Vasquez.
28:56He's been a little more committed to it in this fight than Marquez has.
29:00Good work on the inside.
29:03Right hand to the side of the head by Vasquez.
29:07Explosive dynamic action.
29:09A straight left hand on the neck joy area by Vasquez.
29:13Marquez issues a flurry.
29:18Sets up the right with the left jab, but the right missed.
29:28Back comes Vasquez with a left hook off the top of Marquez's head.
29:30We're gonna see another big left-up land by Vasquez.
29:33I don't know when it's gonna come, but it's gonna come in the next couple of rounds.
29:36Right hand by Marquez with authority.
29:40What conviction behind that punch.
29:42Great combinations by Marquez.
29:44And Vasquez is hurt.
29:46Marquez going in for the finish.
29:48He wants to close the show.
29:50Vasquez all of a sudden in a low.
29:52He's stopped for a moment for some reason.
29:57And Marquez is trying to take advantage of the sounds.
30:02I think he was faking it.
30:03I think he was trying to lure him in.
30:05I don't know.
30:06That's an interesting situation.
30:20He may have gotten stumbed.
30:27I think he was claiming he got stumbed out.
30:29Rafael Marquez early on in the round.
30:32Precision combination punching.
30:34Very effective from the outside.
30:37And then Vasquez was able to come back.
30:40Throwing that good straight right hand.
30:42A lead right that got by the defense of Marquez.
30:45But the volume of punch is clearly Marquez.
30:47Now here's where maybe the thumb or something happened.
30:50Yeah, apparently there was something that made him not be able to see it.
30:54And you see Vasquez realize, you know, I've got to fight back or I will get nailed here.
30:59And so he did.
31:00So yeah, it was something that happened with his eyes.
31:03And Vasquez comes running out of his corner to start round six.
31:08Now that left eye could close a little bit.
31:12Whatever happened there, this might have some impact on the vision of Vasquez.
31:16Now there's a double left took by Vasquez.
31:18He better get to throwing that weapon in this fight before things get away from him.
31:22Now showing a sense of urgency as Israel Vasquez as he really pumps up the volume here in round number six.
31:31The jab of Marquez has been so effective.
31:35Keeping Vasquez off balance and setting up the power shots.
31:38Left uppercut misses by Vasquez.
31:41Raúl Cailluz Jr., the referee went to stand saying that Vasquez was thumbed up the nose.
31:53Which caused Vasquez to momentarily stop.
31:58And then Marquez jumped on the situation.
32:00And then Vasquez realized, I got to fight back.
32:02He just nailed Vasquez.
32:03Marquez on the head.
32:04Marquez turns him around.
32:07Now, you know, in every Rafael Marquez fight, or most of them,
32:10against Silence Mabuza and several others,
32:13Marquez has had little low periods, Steve,
32:15in the somewhere between the third and seventh round.
32:18And that's what Vasquez was counting on.
32:21Now, we haven't seen it yet.
32:23In fact, he was able to get to Marquez early.
32:25But in these rounds, Marquez has retained sharpness.
32:28And I think it's more mental than physical,
32:30because he's in tip-top condition
32:32as he trains in the high altitude of the Mexican mountains.
32:38It's a crowd chanting for Marquez.
32:40Vasquez has picked things up a bit, though, in this round.
32:43Six has been a little better for him.
32:44Whether he's winning it remains to be seen,
32:46but he's off to a better start anyway in this round.
32:49Shaking the effects of the alleged thumbing.
32:53The Marquez jab has just been excellent.
32:55Mary jab downstairs.
32:56And that helped set up that right hand by Marquez.
32:59Non-stop action from the start of this fight.
33:02Minute to go in the sixth.
33:04It's scheduled for 12 for the WBC Super Bantaway Championship.
33:08Israel Vasquez, the champion,
33:10in the blue with the silver trim.
33:12Rafael Marquez, the challenger,
33:14in the black with the white trim.
33:17Vasquez, 41-3 with 31 knockouts.
33:21Marquez, 36-3, 32 knockouts,
33:24both undefeated in title fights.
33:29Marquez pushing Vasquez back with the double jab.
33:32Back comes Vasquez now.
33:34Right hand to the head.
33:36On the inside,
33:39Vasquez can do better
33:41than Marquez for the most part.
33:43And he's committed more to the body work.
33:46And they continue to have gone away from close range.
33:49There's that jab by Marquez.
33:51Continues to be effective.
33:53Rafael Marquez,
33:54very accurate with his combinations.
33:57How far have the score?
34:01Both with a very high work rate throughout.
34:12Right here.
34:14Israel.
34:16You work that body for me,
34:18and then back to the head,
34:19we can work for you, okay?
34:22All right?
34:23Yeah.
34:24All right?
34:25Israel, he's tired.
34:26You know, Nacho Beristain told Marquez,
34:30be alive in there.
34:31We're gonna see an example
34:32of what I think he means.
34:35Here, Vasquez attacking.
34:37Marquez pushes him around,
34:39but is ready to punch
34:41and lands a good lead right hand
34:43the moment Vasquez turns around.
34:45Instead of not punching,
34:46he went right after him,
34:47but waited until his head had turned around
34:50so he didn't get an illegal punch call.
34:53Vasquez attacking.
34:55Now, the referee's nowhere to be seen,
34:57so Marquez says,
34:58I'm gonna attack him
34:59after I kind of twist him around.
35:01Good clever maneuver by Marquez.
35:03Although Vasquez denied it,
35:04he may have had his nose broken
35:06in the Johnny Gonzalez fight,
35:07and his nose looks a mess here now.
35:10Particularly after that alleged thumbing.
35:13Freddie Roach made a point to ask Vasquez
35:17for a lot of body work.
35:19They think maybe that body work will help him
35:21as this fight wears on,
35:22and it probably will.
35:23Oh, big left hook by Vasquez.
35:26Oh, man, that just...
35:28That just took the starch out of Rafael Marquez.
35:33Huge shot, a bomb.
35:35Boy, and yet Marquez able to sustain through that.
35:38That looked like a monster shot,
35:39but Marquez still in there battling.
35:43That just stopped Marquez in his tracks.
35:47And he hasn't been the same since.
35:52Big left hook there by Israel Vasquez.
35:54Let's see if that turns it here.
35:58Another left hand to the jaw by Vasquez.
36:03Marquez and Vasquez both very hittable.
36:06You see the scores.
36:07Each has it by three for Marquez.
36:10That's exactly how I have this fight.
36:1258-55 for Marquez.
36:16The volume of punch is much better for Rafael Marquez.
36:19There's no question about that.
36:20Not that Vasquez is landing his share.
36:23It's just that Marquez is landing more.
36:25And Vasquez, I don't know,
36:27whose punches are harder on the hold?
36:30Well, I think Marquez has landed some very big shots.
36:33So is Vasquez.
36:34So is Vasquez.
36:35You know, so in terms of power, it's tough to tell.
36:37Good body work there by Vasquez,
36:39but the combination for the outside
36:41clearly better for Rafael Marquez,
36:44and that's why he's ahead on the scoring
36:46of the press row people in my scoring.
36:49Oh, Vasquez coming on.
36:51Big left hand there.
36:52Back comes Marquez.
36:54This is, this is great.
36:56I mean, both these fighters doing little things,
36:58subtle things, throwing punches with power.
37:02It's just an excellent boxing match.
37:04That's a block by Vasquez.
37:10And it's okay to block one.
37:12It really is.
37:14I'd say so.
37:18Almost no let up in the action.
37:22And you know, in round six or seven,
37:24Vasquez has really been committed to the body work.
37:26We'll see if that will slow Marquez down at all
37:28as this fight wears on.
37:30These two guys have to be in incredible condition
37:34to withstand this kind of punishment
37:38and to issue these kinds of punches.
37:40Over and over again.
37:42Marquez with the left uppercut.
37:48Now the left was blocked by Vasquez.
37:50Vasquez with the left right combination.
37:52Coming on.
37:53Vasquez turns it up.
37:54Back comes Marquez.
37:56Oh, wow.
37:58And they trade, going toe-to-toe
38:02in the center of the ring.
38:15Israel Vasquez, early in the round,
38:17lands this unbelievable left hook.
38:20Marquez, Wally, he took that punch really well.
38:23That's astonishing.
38:24Then Marquez with Vasquez landing the jab
38:28and landing some good punches behind him.
38:32But Marquez coming back with a couple shots.
38:34What's happening?
38:35It's over.
38:40Israel Vasquez has quit.
38:43Wow.
38:45I don't believe it.
38:47Rafael Marquez is the winner.
38:49Out of nowhere, Israel Vasquez
38:53decides not to go on.
38:55And you have to go back to, perhaps,
38:57the issue of the nose.
38:59Maybe he just can't breathe.
39:01I mean, we see the blood coming from it.
39:03We're not going to speculate.
39:04We'll get information as we go on that.
39:06But certainly, it's conceivable that's the reason.
39:09Out of nowhere,
39:10Alvesquez just strolled over to the Marquez corner
39:13and waved it off.
39:15And a jubilant Rafael Marquez has snatched the title away.
39:21Unbelievable finish.
39:23The irony is it came after the seventh round,
39:27the round in which Vasquez thought he was going to win this fight.
39:32Getting the report now that Vasquez broke his nose.
39:39That's that point in time when he turned away.
39:42Yep.
39:43And he just feels that he can't continue with that situation.
39:48Well, it put an abrupt end to what?
39:51Over seven rounds was as good a boxing match as you're likely to see.
39:55I mean, it was the true boxing definition of a war.
39:59And it's a shame it had to end this way.
40:05We're going to hear the audio in the corner.
40:08Check it out.
40:12You're fighting, everyone.
40:14You're fighting, everyone.
40:16You sure?
40:18Yes, I'm sure.
40:19Want to start the fight?
40:20Thank you, Ralph.
40:21Want to start the fight?
40:22Yes.
40:23Stop the fight?
40:24Yeah.
40:29Plain and clear.
40:30You heard Vasquez say to his trainer, Freddie Roach,
40:33I can't do it anymore.
40:34And I think he might have suggested he can't breathe.
40:37And I think that's a big part of the reasoning there.
40:40So, an abrupt ending to a brilliant fight.
40:46Just the crying shame that it had to end in that fashion.
40:51Marquez, of course, celebrating the victory.
40:55But, you know, Israel Vasquez, unfortunately,
41:01had to abruptly end this fight with the nose problem.
41:10But what a nonstop war up until that point.
41:13It was great.
41:14We'll go back to round five when we think this situation began.
41:19And it's what made Vasquez turn away.
41:23Well, two jabs right to the nose.
41:26Yeah, that, those were hard punches.
41:29And that is probably where the nose got broken or whatever happened,
41:33whatever injury happened to the nose.
41:35And then, as it kept getting worse over the sixth and seventh round,
41:39trouble breathing for Vasquez and very difficult for him to continue.
41:43And now, given the kind of warrior that Israel Vasquez is,
41:47you can't get on him.
41:49Of course, you can't.
41:50He's not a jive kind of a guy.
41:52Absolutely not.
41:53So, whatever the nature of this injury,
41:54it clearly was sufficient to make it hard for him to continue.
41:57You got to believe him.
41:58You got to believe him.
41:59He just could not continue.
42:01Couldn't breathe through the nose.
42:02It's shattered.
42:03It's broken.
42:04And this man, Rafael Marquez,
42:06with a successful move up in weight
42:09and grabs another world title, his second.
42:14Let's get it up to Jimmy Lennon Jr.
42:16with the official announcement.
42:21Ladies and gentlemen,
42:23this bout has been stopped at the end of round number seven.
42:26A referee in charge,
42:28Raul Cais Jr.,
42:29stops a contest upon suggestion of the corner
42:32that Vasquez was unable to continue.
42:35He is the winner by way of technical knockout.
42:38He is the new WBC Super Battleweight Champion of the World,
42:42Rafael Marquez.
42:47So, Rafael Marquez is the new WBC Super Battleweight Champion,
42:59dethroning Israel Vasquez, who reigns since December 05,
43:03with two title defenses,
43:04suffers his first loss in almost five years,
43:07ending a nine-fight win streak.
43:09Marquez now 37-3.
43:12Meanwhile, Vasquez drops to 41-4.
43:16Marquez extends his win streak to 16 in a row.
43:21He said he wants to stay at 122 pounds for a while,
43:24but 126 could be in his future.
43:27Let's get it up into the ring right now for post-fight reaction
43:31and Jim Gray.
43:32Jim.
43:33All right, Steve.
43:34Thank you very much.
43:35Israel, first, let's start with you.
43:36If you can speak to us in English, please try.
43:39Why did you stop?
43:40Why did you quit the fight?
43:42Well, I couldn't breathe.
43:43It was impossible to continue the fight
43:45because I was receiving coups that I should have received
43:48and that was what impeded me to continue the fight.
43:51Felix Dejesus will interpret.
43:52He said he couldn't breathe,
43:53so there was no sense in keeping with the fight
43:55because he just couldn't breathe through the nose.
43:57He couldn't breathe.
43:58Was your nose broken in that fifth round
44:02when you abruptly turned away and went to the ropes?
44:22Yeah, he was at the point where you almost knocked him out,
44:24but since the second round, he was having problems with his nose.
44:27Did you realize, Freddie Roach, as his trainer,
44:29that his nose was broken in the second or third round?
44:31Yes, I did, and then two rounds before I stopped the fight,
44:34he complained, told me he couldn't breathe.
44:36I asked him to suck it up and go on,
44:38and then that last round, he told me I can't breathe,
44:40and I had to stop the fight for his health
44:42because it's hard to fight this tough guy
44:44when my guy can't even breathe.
44:46Did you believe you were winning the fight
44:48at the time that you stopped?
44:50I understood that, yes.
44:52He said that the fight was stopped at the right time.
44:56Would you like a rematch?
44:58He wants a rematch as quickly as possible.
45:01The only thing was that he had problems with breathing today.
45:04Israel, thank you.
45:05Tremendous performance tonight.
45:06Thank you very much.
45:07Rafael, congratulations.
45:08Let's bring Felix back on over here so he can interpret for us.
45:11Did you realize that Israel's nose was broken in the second or third round?
45:24I didn't know.
45:25I just came with my fight plan to fighting.
45:26I didn't know the nose was broken.
45:27Were you surprised that he stopped and didn't continue?
45:31Yes, I was very surprised.
45:32He's the only fighter that has, you know, dropped me.
45:33So he's a great fighter.
45:34I thought the fight was going to keep going.
45:36And he was surprised.
45:37Did you feel as though you were behind when he quit?
45:41Or did you think that he was behind when he left the fight?
45:42I didn't know that he was broken.
45:43Were you surprised that he stopped and didn't continue?
45:45Yes, I was very surprised.
45:46He's the only fighter that has, you know, dropped me.
45:47So he's a great fighter.
45:48I thought the fight was going to keep going.
45:52You surprised him.
46:02Did you feel as though you were behind when he quit,
46:05or did you think that you were ahead?
46:22Because of the fall, he thought he was close,
46:23maybe one or two points either way.
46:25But, you know, with physical condition, he's up,
46:28and he kept fighting.
46:30Officially, you can tell him he was ahead,
46:32at the time, as we've gotten the official scorecards as of now.
46:35Will you give Israel a rematch?
46:58He does deserve a rematch.
46:59He's the only person that has dropped me here in the ring,
47:01and he's a great fighter, and, yes, he can have the rematch.
47:04How difficult was it for you to concentrate and to focus on this fight
47:08because of your dad's health and his inability to travel,
47:11as well as your wife telling you that she's pregnant?
47:18All of Mexico is going to be happy because of this fight,
47:20and his father did have complications, but he's much better now.
47:24So he's feeling great.
47:25What would you like to do next?
47:26I know you'll watch your brother fight against Barrera,
47:27but what would you like to do next in the ring?
47:31I know you'll see your brother fight against Barrera,
47:34but what would you like to do next in the ring?
47:38I know you'll see your brother fight against Barrera,
47:40but what would you like to do next in the ring?
47:41I know you'll see your brother fight against Barrera,
47:43but what would you like to do next in the ring?
47:45Well, we're going to keep our options open.
48:10We're going to prepare against whatever fighters available,
48:11Juan Manuel, or whoever's available, he will fight them.
48:14to stay at 122 yeah so who's ever champion in the 122 I'm staying there
48:25and whoever comes we're gonna fight him of course he says congratulations and
48:35thank you to Showtime well thank you muchas gracias congratulations to all
48:43of Mexico of course congratulations for this fight back to you Steve and we will
48:48have an update just before we go off the air on the condition of burros Burgos
48:54is we're gonna get some information just being handed this right here dr.
49:00Lawrence has just called they're testing for a brain injury and that is all of
49:04the further update that we have at this time from the hospital all right Jim
49:11thanks we appreciate the the update on Victor Burgos meanwhile in the main
49:15event the action was brilliant and dynamic through the seven rounds that it
49:19lasted until it was stopped and here's a look at the scoring the official judges
49:25at ringside saw it this way Dave Moretti had Marquez ahead by two points 67 65 Jack
49:31Reese had it even and Patrick Russell had Marquez up also 67 to 65 as far as the
49:39uh the people along press row Carlos Arias had Marquez up 67 65 the same for Steve
49:46Kim and the same for Lance Pugmire's all three across the board had Marquez up by
49:51two points at the time of the stoppage after round number seven and uh Albert
49:58Steen uh how did how did you see it I mean it looked like Marquez did have the
50:03slight the slight edge with his uh you know with his polish and box yeah I had
50:08the fight 67 65 I think Rafael Marquez was a little more precise both fighters
50:14fought very very well but Rafael Marquez through more combinations was a little
50:18bit precise and of course the knockdown is what made that closer than it might
50:23otherwise have been and that's an important point to note uh because he
50:27performed so well now an important moment in this fight clearly came in the uh third round when
50:36Israel Vasquez was able to unload a left hook against Rafael Marquez at a point where it looked
50:44like Marquez was just gonna take control of these early rounds Mark Vasquez landed a very very big left
50:50point where he took sent Marquez down that was his best moment clearly in the fight
50:56a probably the most important moment in this fight the seminal moment came in round number five when two
51:03strong jabs to the nose of Vasquez sent him back reeling to the ropes and really at that moment it took
51:12enormous poise by Vasquez not to go down or uh at that point let Marquez take total control of the fight
51:18he came back a bit but clearly he was impaired as this fight went on and that's why this man Rafael
51:25Marquez was able to ultimately stop the fight after seven rounds in what make no mistake was an
51:31extraordinarily well boxed match what an emotional celebratory moment for Rafael Marquez as he heads back
51:40into the victorious uh dressing room here at the home depot center in Carson California and he he had a
51:48heavy uh you know mind heavy heart coming into this fight the distraction with his dad who was uh uh
51:54dealing with a a heart condition and couldn't make the trip from Mexico here to Los Angeles
51:59what about a rematch i think a rematch would be terrific for one simple reason they fought extremely
52:05well over seven rounds it was a pretty even fight it was it was as exciting and interesting as any
52:10match you would want and i think while we have to give Marquez credit for creating the broken nose the
52:16fact of the matter is if they did it again it would be just as exciting and just as good well it was about
52:21as good as it can get up until the point of the stoppage any uh final thoughts comments observations on
52:27victor chinian well obviously victor chinian with an important win for him tonight he looks for uh bigger
52:34matches and certainly for victor burgos we hope that his condition will remain a good one or be a good
52:40one our hearts go out to him our thoughts and prayers are with uh victor burgos of course all
52:46right let's uh take a final look at tonight's results here from the home depot center in
52:50carson california and our co-feature the charismatic one victor chinning remained lord of the flies his sixth
52:56successful defense of the ibf flyweight crown remained undefeated at the expense of former champ
53:02victor burgos who uh went to the hospital after the fight and in our main event yep it lived up to
53:08its billing for as long as it lasted it was rafael marquez prevailing over israel vasquez in the highly
53:14anticipated showdown that did not disappoint that'll do it from the home depot center as we close out
53:20another edition of showtime championship boxing america's fight night for al bernstein jim gray karen bryant
53:27and our entire crew steve albert saying so long from carson california
53:41and our crew are going to be on the chính raft of the bay of the sea so long from carson california
53:44and the whole crew is on the boat and we are getting to the channel as a cold and quite a few
53:57covered by the realizacy of the ship in the harley's capital of the bay of the bay of the sea so long as
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