These two gave us classic fights, but do you consider either a great fighter? How do you rank them in their respective weight classes? Did either possess greater H2H ability, or talent, than the other? Thoughts and discussion on both fighters are welcome. On a binge of their series at the moment and looking for some discussion. Marquez was racking up the title defenses at 118, eight I believe, before the first fight with Vasquez. Vasquez himself had a string of successful title defenses.
Great fights .. I saw all 4 live... This has been talked about recently in different threads but is worth a re go.. So technical, 100 % evenly matched, and you just didn't know what would happen next. People forget that R Marquez was the more talent than his brother for the first 10 years and 4 year champ. A great for me. Beristan trained both brothers since they were 13 so it would be interesting to hear his take, Haven't found it? you? Gatti/Ward was great for brawling, But these fights were better.. Up there with Pep/Saddler ..imo, but different.. It was unfortunate that Vazquez suffered a detached retina and 3 surgeries before their 4th fight.. Marquez 2 years older and they meet late in their careers. These fights ruined each other. Ring Magazine fight of the year: 2007 - Marquez/Vazquez II 2008 - Marquez/Vazquez III Vazquez won both.. They spilt 2-2
I'm a big fan of Israel Vasquez H2H. Even though he is the lesser of the two in terms of pure boxing technique he was just so dangerous. He usually gets outboxed and hurt early only to change everything with a crazy left hook or thunderous body shots. And this wasn't just once or twice it was basically every fight. I can see Israel Ko-ing Darchinyan and giving Nonito a scare or two but being outboxed too often losing a decision. Greats like Johnny Tapia would probably outskill him but that would an amazing fight. Tapia's footwork plus his big heart, he would engage Vasquez even though he probably didn't have to, a few too many left hooks on the inside from Tapia would give Vazquez some countering chances a few good moments. Tapia showed a crazy chin at the higher weights so I think Tapia's chin could take it and the win. Morales at 122 might be too much for him (El Terrible was so busy and long plus straight-out mean at 122) I think he punishes Vasquez. Vasquez vs Arce would be all action but Vasquez's power would tell I think by a late KO. Vasquez was so much fun to watch. Defensively flawed yes but I think his power is actually underrated. He didn't have consistent timing or rhythm but he's going to find it in 1-2 rounds and it will be on. One round he gets schooled yet he's truly never out of it and maybe the next round he looks like magic only to look average the next few. Very few fighters are like that. Of course Vasquez is an ATG at his weight. He fought Chololo Larios, Jorge Julio, Johnny Gonzalez all really good fighters and that's not including Marquez four times. Plus throw in tough nuts like Ivan Hernandez and Jose Luis Valbuena. A really good resume there.
I also think at 122 Pacquiao destroys him. Vasquez would be brawling with the wrong guy there. 118 is full of real badasses. Jofre and Zarate are too accurate for Israel. But I think Vasquez gives Olivares a run for his money. I wouldn't be surprised if Vasquez stops him getting into firefight and just pushing the pace. Olivares had awesome power 77 KOs in 88 fights though I could be really wrong with that.
Good stuff so far guys, thank you. Love to hear some more thoughts on Marquez and how he fares H2H against other greats.