Israel Vazquez ready for Oct. 10 comeback bout
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Israel Vazquez was last seen in the boxing ring in March 2008, producing a legendary fight of the year by knocking down Rafael Marquez in the third fight of their riveting trilogy at Home Depot Center in Carson.
Vazquez, however, suffered a detached retina in that super-bantamweight title bout and his right eye required three surgeries before the California State Athletic Commission cleared him a few weeks ago to fight again.
Vazquez’s return is set for Oct. 10 at Nokia Theatre against Angel Antonio Priolo (30-7). Tickets are available from $25 to $200 (ringside).
“I’m very happy and hungry for this opportunity,” Vazquez said Thursday at Nokia Live’s downtown ESPN Zone.
In a video interview, Vazquez elaborated on other subjects.
Vazquez said he’s worked during the layoff to become a more “technical, defensive” fighter, and to ensure his eye could handle the rigors of fighting.
“The sparring was serious,” Vazquez said through an interpreter. “Nothing’s going to happen in the fight.”
He said after Priolo, he’ll consider a stiffer challenge, someone like featherweighgt champ Chris John or a fourth bout against Marquez.
“We’re warriors, both of us,” Vazquez said of Marquez, who won the second of the three bouts. “We have a lot of pride and we’ve had some exciting fights. If the fans want to see it again, why not do it? This is what sports is all about.”
--Lance Pugmire