There are actually quite a few parallels in their careers. Sluggers who slowly but surely learned to box very effectively as a framework within which they utilize their power. Both knocked out early in their careers. Had a common tough out in Oscar Larios (Izzy won a brutal trilogy, Manny was unable to close the show despite a few KDs and was even stunned himself). Cemented their legacies via rivalries with Marquez brothers (Izzy won a brutal trilogy with Rafael, Manny is officially 1-0-1 in a controversial pair with Juan). Both perennially beloved by diehards (and revered by their countrymen), and able to persistently shoehorn their way into mainstream recognition by English-speaking audiences (Manny to a greater extent) on the sole strength of their in-ring performances. A fight at junior feather six years ago would have been absolutely terrific - in spite of, and actually mainly because of both still being less refined and more offensive minded at the time. Obviously, Manny's several weight classes up, but it's cool that Izzy still hangs on to that respect and is galvanized by it. I would assume it's mutual respect - would love to get Pac's thoughts on Vazquez's career since they parted ways.
I don't know if he could unify the FW. Vasquez for me has not aged well. And though he's a better boxer now, it has not gotten to the point where he will not go to war. That's just the difference with Pac. He could have wars and still look fresh in his next fight. With Vasquez, i think it's reasonalbe to say that he's already showing some wear and tear.
