Israel Vazquez seems to want a featherweihgt opponent. What better opponent than Rocky Juarez, in terms of an action fight. It would be brutal. If only Juarez had got Chris John out of there, or started earlier and got the win. He'd have a world title and Vazquez would have a great reason to move up from 122 (WBC and Ring champ) to 126, for the WBA title. Vazquez is on an awesome run as we know. The epic trilogy with Rafael Marquez, the stoppages of Larios, Hernandez, Jhonny Gonzalez. He batters head and body, perseveres all the way, walks through sick punishment to get the big wins. Juarez is considered a disappointment by many. But this guy nearly tore off Barrios' lips, broke Barrera's nose, drew with Chris John in a terrific battle. GBP are promoting local stars and Rocky can obviously draw a big crowd (with Juan Diaz headlining) in Texas. He'll get more chances. Obviously Juarez just a point away from "earning" a big fight (regardless of how you scored John D12 Juarez). Would Juarez-Vazquez at featherweight be an absolute war? Who would win? Could it ever happen?
Always thought that would make for a great fight.. just like I thought Vazquez - Marquez would be a great one before anyone even started talking about it. But think about it, two forward coming, squat powerpunchers colliding in the ring would make for some intense action. Would likely be a candidate for fight of the year. Don't think it'll even happen though as Izzy has plenty of good options at lower weights that aren't quite as dangerous as a low paying fight with Juarez..
I think if Juarez had won that WBA title, he'd have become the top feather and they would have tempted Vazquez. Vazquez maybe waiting for Darchinyan. But Darchinyan is going to bantam first. Vazquez has had such brutal fights and has talked of moving up a weight...I don't think he can do 122 by the time Darchinyan is ready. I think boxing just lost out on its most gruelling back and forth slugging match. Rocky was almost good enough but he just didn't quite earn a fight with Vazquez. He needed to bring something extra to the table. I agree no way Vazquez takes this fight if it's not a world title fight. Juarez has been surprisingly good in the last couple of fights. I also thought he beat Barrera in the 1st fight. He was humiliated in the rematch whe Barrera would only throw jabs and moved away - RJ had no answer, as he needed to counter MAB's right...anyway, Vazquez certainly won't be boxing him on the outside if they ever meet. I really hope there is some kind of shake up on the featherweight/super bantam scene that makes this fight happen. It's essential IMO.
Juarez might not be tall, but physically he's very strong, a natural SFW. He'd have too much weight and power for Vazquez, who's an average sized SBW. It's not exactly a fight Magnifico should take.
Yeah but if there was something extra there, some extra prize on the line, it could happen. Israel will take the most brutal fight if that's where the payday is. It's too risky without a world title, not enough reward. I can see what you're saying, Juarez is a strong guy who throws some horrific head snapping, flesh ripping single shots. Vazquez seems to have more urgency, more push in him though. IMO Vazquez is headed up to 126 because he wants to be 2 weight champ and has put his body through too much to keep at 122. Chris John has a title, but was't impressive enough v Juarez. Larios, perhaps finish off Vazquez-Larios rivalry for WBC title before Chris John tries to unify with Larios. Can't see Vazquez-Luevano, no way slick southpaw etc. Cruz nt well regarded enough. I think apart from Larios, only Juarez merits the move up and Juarez would need a world title for that.
Actually altough Juarez has a low output and is a slow starteer he is big and strong and I wouldn't like the guy in with such a big guy.Hell Juarez was 146 on figt night with Barrios,that is huge.
Can anyone think of two world class fighters that inflict more late rounds damage than Vazquez and Juarez? I almost hope for Juarez to beat John in a rematch and then fight one of the name super bantams. I am convinced he can win at the top level if he fights smaller guys rather than bigger guys. Juarez is really a featherweight. Vazquez was kind of "just another world title holder" until he got a drained Larios and a number of smaller men moved up to fight him. Obviously Vazquez is a great fighter but even great fighters need "the right fights". Juarez does get too many big fights but I think a draw with John earns him another opportunity. He wins, and he can maybe get one of the name super bantams. He has Golden Boy behind him and this helps.
