I Hit You And Then You Hit Me
With the bitter taste of Klitschko/Ibragimov still in our mouths, what a perfect palate-cleanser comes along tomorrow night, not a moment too soon, the rubber match between Israel Vasquez and Rafael Marquez, who fought two fights last year that were each FOY candidates, the second being both The Ring and The Large selection for the award.
I don't have time today to break down this fight in the detail that I usually like to bring to a fight of this magnitude, but then again, it's not exactly a fight that needs a tremendous amount of breaking down. If you saw either of the first two bouts, you have a pretty good idea of what's in store - Marquez hit Vasquez, Vasquez hit Marquez, lather rinse repeat.
In saying this, don't let me imply that I think either of these guys are unskilled fighters. I think quite the opposite. They're beautiful to watch, technically impeccable (Vasquez a bit more so than Marquez) and the fact that they pay next to no attention to slipping punches is a testament only to how focused they are on punching first and always. You get two men in the ring who each subscribe to this fistic philosophy and, well, history is often made. Graziano/Zale. Gatti/Ward. Corrales/Castillo. These are the types of ultramacho throwdowns that get the bloodlust roiling in even the most dedicated of sweet scientists, and though I admit that I am not the type of boxing fan who prizes gorefests over all other kinds of fights, I'm nevertheless giddy with anticipation for tomorrow night's contest. Both men seem undamaged to me and still capable of giving their best, and both men I think are aware that in meeting each other they have elevated themselves far beyond the stature they ever would have achieved alone (a la Gatti and Ward). With that kind of history and fierce Mexican pride animating the principals, and then with the wretched losing streak that I have been on lately as a prognosticator, I'm going to give my crystal ball a rest this week and just say this - no matter who wins tomorrow night, I feel almost certain that we're going to witness something that fight fans will be talking about for years to come.(P.S. - My weekly boxing notes are up over at The Sporting Blog, where I touch on Vasquez/Marquez, the rampant Holyfield/Tyson III rumors, and my excitement at a potential Juan Diaz/Amir Khan showdown later this year.)
posted by Large at 12:52 PM
17 Comments:
I can't fucking wait for tomorrow night. I've been looking forward to this since, oh, about 30 seconds after the second fight finished.
I gotta disagree w/ you on one point though Large...I think it's Marquez who happens to be slightly better technically.
I got Marquez, whether it's by late stoppage or by a very slim decision.
I like Israel in 9, not that i have any faith in it.
Decision Ryan? No way. My guts tell me, Israel wins rather easy this time.
I agree with Ryan that Marquez is a better technician. He's a boxer/puncher, where as Irsael is a real Mexican destroyer.
They are both beautiful fighters, the best that Mexico has to offer, and incredible credits to the sport. I was looking at Vasquez' record recently and was stunned at what he has achieved. He has really carved out an excellent career, and winning this fight would be the cherry that can put him in that upper tier of Mexican greats.
I say surprised because I've always felt that Marquez was the classier fighter, he has more options, better defense, and he too has stamped his place at the top.
I think it's sort of a shame that these fights happened on Showtime, if they had been on HBO they likely would have achieved the acclaim they rightly deserve.
For what it's worth I think Vasquez is going to take it this time, he's just got the heavier hands and is the more sturdy. I might be prejudiced though, because the cook at my favorite burrito joint looks just like young Israel. Also think Pacquiao is going to beat Juan Manuel later this month; a tough one for the two fine brothers. I did, however think Raphael was going to win the first two bouts, so what do I know.
Ordered Showtime just now for the fight, really looking forward to it. The second fight was the most violent fight I think I've ever seen, and I hope both men stay safe, a third fight that violent is quite enough, and I sincerely hope they remain undamaged enough to continue with their lives and careers successfully. That being said...
WAR ISRAEL!!!!
this is shoefly, forgot my pass.
Gents - I meant Marquez, but what the hell. Its easy to get the names mixed up and oh am I jetlagged today. The fact remains that they're both a pleasure to watch and are incredibly well matched. I'm leaning towards Israel myself in a stoppage - hits harder and a hell of a chin. But really - a decision is about the only thing that would surprise me with these guys.
Watching this FNF card right now and JESUS has this season of FNF been wack. Joe Tessitore right now trying to make it seem like the Allan Greenless headliner is worth watching. "What does Antwun Echols have left?" Who gives a shit Joe?
Yeah, FNF was pretty wack last night, but ShoBox was finally on point this year w/ the Guerrero-Litzau fight. I absolutely hate Litzau but he showed some balls in there last night.
Trickster, I agree that a decision might seem like a long shot, but it goes along w/ my Marquz prediction.
He needs to box and take Izzy into deeper waters this time. I just think that at their best, Rafa is better, and Berstain will have him ready this go 'round.
I enjoyed the Litzau/Guerrero fight as well. I couldn't stop laughing at the beginning wduring the announcements when one of Litzau's buddies/wannabe hoods kept pointing at Litzau, nodding as if he was the geatest fighter alive. I was glad he got knocked out, but he did push it longer than I thought he would. Guerrero going to move up in weight now?
Just watched the round posted over at Sporting Blog....hot damn, that's some Corrales-Castillo shit right there. I agree with the sentiments above, the only disappointing outcome will be a decision. But hell if I know what's going to happen. Couldn't even begin to think of who I'd bet on.
And I stand by my statement from a couple months ago, that this fight should have taken place at the Estadio Azteca.
Anyone here knows when the fight starts exactly? I haven't seen any details bout the undercard and I'd like to know, when I've to get up.
if tyson holyfield 3 happens.
ill make the nachos.
My lord what a fight! The greatest trilogy I have ever seen, and the second greatest fight I have ever seen live. I hope they never do it again, as I don't want to see either man hurt. What courage, what bravery, what greatness. It's amazing that the men can do such things. Absolutely astounding.
-shoefly
Yeah, great fight and what drama in the end. Half of Klitschkos weight, but three times the heart.
Props also to ryan for calling the decision (thought the wrong winner ;-)).
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Like my man Shoefly said, this fight was a classic. By far the best fight I've ever seen live (even better than their first showdown). The motherfucker was filled like a phone booth with Mexican nationals and boxing fans alike. Crazy energy. Shit, even Jack was there.
I had Vasquez +1, but can easily see how others may have had Marquez winning the fight. The point deduction for low blows seemed entirely unnecessary, but I'll have to watch the televised replay before standing firm behind that comment.
That fourth round has to be considered the front-runner for round of the year...
holy shit.
Everyone in the room was on their feet during the twelth. I actually gave a standing ovation from the living room. Best shit ever!!!
Amazing. As far as I'm concerned, that's the greatest trilogy in the past decade, if not ever.
I'm w/ you Shoefly, part of me wants these two to never fight each other again. I'm skeptical right now as to whether these guys are ever gonna be the same after three wars within a year. Then again, I think a fourth could be warranted.
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