GL: We haven't spoken since the rematch with Israel Vazquez. Can you give us some thoughts on the fight and tell us where you went wrong? "I prepared myself very hard for that fight. I was well conditioned, I just changed my strategy in the ring because of the way that Israel Vazquez was fighting. But believe me, Israel Vazquez is a tough fighter, he's pretty strong and he's a tough fighter, there's no doubt about it."

GL: After the fight you made it clear that you felt it was a premature stoppage. Now that you've had the time to review the fight on tape, do you still feel that way?

Rafael Marquez: "I still insist that he stopped the fight at a bad time. It wasn't the right time to stop it. He connected and I was a little hurt, but not so hurt that the referee, for me to think that he was right in stopping the fight."

GL: Both of the fights with Vazquez were wars from round one until they finished. Is there any the third fight will be any different? Will you prepare any differently for it?

RM: "I'm going to do something different. I have to do something different, but I can tell you that I will be coming forward and I will be throwing punches. I'm going to be well prepared and my conditioning will be like always and my strategy, well I'm going to work on it, but I can tell you I will be fighting a smarter fight."

GL: Your jab seemed to set the pace of the first fight, do you plan on making it a huge factor in the rubbermatch?

RM: "I can tell you that it's going to be a great fight. I'm going to be prepared and be a warrior like always. I'm going there to recover what's mine, which is the title. People are going to see a great fight and both of my hands will be major factors."

GL: Is it possible for you and Vaazquez to compete for a full twelve rounds?

RM: "I don't think so. Anything can happen, but it's going to be a knockout."

GL: What does winning the rivalry with Vazquez mean to you?

RM: "It means a lot. It means I won two out of three against a warrior in Vazquez. It's meaningful for me, my team, my family, my people and all of the fans. I'm working hard for that and I'm going to be ready on March 1 so I can beat him."

GL: I understand the fight will take place in Mexico or California, where would you prefer it take place?

RM: "It doesn't matter to me where we fight, but if they me the United States I'd prefer the United States. I don't have a problem fighting anywhere though."

GL: Is there anything you'd like to say in closing?

RM: "I want to thank you for your support. I want the fans to know they're going to see a different Rafael Marquez. They're going to see a stronger, more complete and smarter Rafael Marquez so don't miss this fight."

M

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