Press Release: Showtime will delivers a compelling match-up on Saturday, March, 3, 2007. In one of the most highly anticipated fights in years, Israel Vazquez will defend his WBC 122-pound championhip against IBF 118-pound champion Rafael Marquez in the main event on Showimt Championship Boxing (9 p.m. ET/PT delayed on the west coast). Both Vazquez and Marquez, who are fixtures on many experts’ pound-for-pound lists, hail from Mexico City and are legitimate, hard-punching, world champions who make for crowd-pleasing, exhilarating scraps. Since they burst on to the world scene, each capturing world titles, fans have been clamoring for this match-up. Now, fight fans around the world have the dream match-up they have been waiting for.
The showdown between two of boxing’s most exceptionally talented and exciting warriors will be promoted by Gary Shaw Productions in association with Sycuan Ringside Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. A venue for the bout is yet to be determined.
Vazquez, 29, is 41-3 with 31 knockouts. A two-time world champion at 122 pounds, he will make the third defense of the WBC title he captured by scoring a third-round TKO over Oscar Larios on Dec. 3, 2005, in Las Vegas. Overall, Vazquez has won nine consecutive bouts, including seven inside of the distance.
In one of 2006’s greatest fights, Vazquez overcame two knockdowns to retain the title in his last start with a devastating 10th-round TKO over Jhonny Gonzalez on Sept. 16 in Las Vegas.
Managed by Frank Espinoza, Vazquez is promoted by Sycuan Ringside Promotions and Golden Boy.
Marquez, 31, has been victorious in 15 straight bouts, including 12 by knockout. The tough, dangerous counter-puncher and brother of Juan Manuel Marquez will make his long-desired step up in weight after successfully defending his IBF 118-pound crown seven times. Regarded as one of the world’s best fighters, Marquez is coming off of two scintillating TKOs over top contender Silence Mabuza.
Marquez, who stopped long-time titleholder Tim Austin to capture the IBF belt on Feb. 15, 2003, in Las Vegas, is managed and trained by Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain and promoted by Gary Shaw Productions.
