Q&A with Israel Vazquez

What’s the latest news?
I’m doing good. I’ve been relaxing and trying to get better so I can get back in the ring and fight for all my fans.

Many fans of boxing were awed by your fights against Rafael Marquez. It was three entertaining and thrilling fights. Do you wish to meet him once again it in the ring?

Rafael Marquez and I made history together. We fought the greatest trilogy ever. I think we gave boxing fans all over the world something to cheer about. And I would most certainly do it again. We are both warriors.

What do these fights mean for you?

They are very special to me. As a kid I’ve always wanted to be apart of something as big of that magnitude. But to actually live through it is something I can’t just put into words. But I’m very proud to be apart of it.

Which of them was the most memorable for you and why?

Well they are all special to me. But the second fight was a little more personal for me. After the first fight, there were people thinking I was a quitter and thought I was making up excuses about my nose (that required surgery). And I really took that personal. I wanted to send a message not only to Rafael but to the non believers. And I think I did that.

Manny Pacquiao has been successful in moving up in weight. Now in the press there were reports that you wish to move to another weight category. It this accurate?

I’ve been at 122lbs for about 12 years and with this long lay off, I’m considering to move up in weight. It’s another option for me. As you have already said, there have been many great fighters that have made that transition in fighting at a higher weight class. I like to keep my options open.

Tell us about your next fight. When it will take place, against whom?

Right now we have no opponent or date. I would like to make a return by June or July. But it all depends once I get the ok from my doctor.

You have declared that you wish to fight with Vic Darchinyan. It this truthfully interesting to you? What you think about it?

I was there to watch the fight live between Vic and Jorge Arce. Vic did a tremendous job that night and proved to be a very good champion. Vic and I have a little history together since we have sparred in the past. And they were good sparring sessions. He’s a tough guy and if we were to ever get in the ring I think it would be a good fight. I would be willing to fight him .

You have already proved you are a great champion. What other goals in boxing do you have?

Thank you. There are still some things that I would like to accomplish in boxing. For example, I’ve always wanted to be a champ at a higher weight. That’s something that I would like to attempt before retiring.

You’re high in most P4P ratings. Do you agree that Manny Pacquiao is at the top?

I’m honored to be considered in those rankings by the media and the fans. It feels good to see that your peers are recognizing all your hard work. I agree that Manny Pacquiao should be rated as number one. He’s a great champion and has earned that spot.

With which boxers do you wish to fight and why?

I want to fight Rafael Marquez, Juan Manuel Lopez, and Vic Darchinyan. I want to fight them because it’s what the fans want to see and they would be good challenges for me.

Who are your idols in boxing?

I’ve always admired J. C. Chavez. He was a warrior that I have always looked up to.

What your further plans?

Right now, just try to get better so I can get back in the ring. Like, my manager Frank Espinoza tells me. We are taking it “once step at a time.”

Your wishes to your fans and readers of Fightnews.com

I want to thank Fightnews for this interview and I want to thank the fans for all their support. I truly appreciate your patience, as I get better. I promise you once; I get back I’m going to continue to put on great fights. I’m not sure whom I will be fighting at this moment, but I’m going to make them pay for this long lay off. I’m hungrier than ever

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