HIDALGO, Tex. (Aug. 4, 2007) – Sycuan Ringside Promotions went three-for-three Saturday at the Dodge Arena, highlighted by Israel Vazquez’s sensational sixth-round knockout of Rafael Marquez to regain the World Boxing Council (WBC) super bantamweight title.
In a serious candidate for Fight of the Year, which included an incredibly exciting, brutal third stanza that could turn out to be the Round of the Year, a carved and bloody but indomitable Vazquez (42-4, 32 KOs), who is co-promoted by Sycuan Ringside Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, registered the fight’s lone knockdown when he dropped Marquez in the sixth.
Moments later, the referee stepped in and stopped the exciting, give-and-take slugfest at 1:16. Vazquez, who turned the tables on Marquez (37-4, 33 KOs) after losing last March 7, was ahead by the scores of 48-47 on the three scorecards after five completed rounds.
“We hit the trifecta and it can’t get any better than that,” said Glenn Quiroga, President of the San Diego, Calif.-based boxing group. “Tonight was a tremendous night for Sycuan Ringside Promotions and I am very proud of everyone involved.
“Israel’s fight with Rafael was tremendous. The third round was like Hagler-Hearns only 38 pounds lighter.’’
Said Scott Woodworth, Vice-President of Sycuan Ringside Promotions, “I have been in boxing a long time, but, seriously, this was the greatest fight I have ever seen. The third round was more than any fan possibly could ask for. The entire fight was just breathtakingly unreal.
“Vazquez and Marquez are, indeed, true warriors – ultimate warriors. Both were cut and bloodied but never quit throwing punches or giving 100 percent.
“This was a great night for boxing and I am already looking forward to their third fight.’’
The rubber match, both Woodworth and promoter Gary Shaw announced afterward, would take place in early 2008.
Vazquez, who was cut around both eyes, was quick to credit his cornermen. “My cutman, Joe Sanchez, did an unbelievable job,” he said. “I knew the cuts were bad but I was never worried they were going to stop the fight because I could see.
“I can’t say enough about my new trainer, Rudy Perez, either. He was fabulous from day one of our training camp. He had me in excellent shape and our game plan worked to perfection.
“A lot of people questioned me for taking this fight so soon because of the nose injury I suffered in our first fight. But it was never a factor or a problem tonight.
“I told everyone the real Israel Vazquez would show up this time around. It wasn’t easy, of course. Rafael Marquez is a great champion. But I do feel a little satisfaction proving so many people wrong. I am very happy to have won my title back and brought it back to Sycuan.’’
In a tough, hard-fought encounter immediately preceding Vazquez-Marquez on SHOWTIME, Celestino Caballero, co-promoted by Sycuan Ringside Promotions and Seminole Warriors Boxing, retained his World Boxing Association (WBA) 122-pound crown with a unanimous 12-round decision over Jorge Lacierva.
“The best is yet to come,’’ said Panama’s Caballero (27-2, 16 KOs), who overcame a slow start to triumph by the scores of 116-110, 116-111 and 115-11. “I wanted to look better, but it is hard to look good against a guy who fights as dirty as Lacierva (32-7-6, 22 KOs).
Sycuan Ringside Promotions’ promising young junior welterweight Jorge Paez Jr. (16-1, 10 KOs) got the night off to an excellent start by pitching a six-round shutout over Jaime Orrantia. Paez won by 60-54 on all the cards.
About Sycuan Ringside Promotions
Sycuan Ringside Promotions of San Diego is considered to be the fastest-growing and most dynamic promotional entity in the sport. Sycuan Ringside Promotions made its promotional debut during 2004, but already has or had six current or former world champions and has promoted and presented world title bouts across the country on premium cable networks.
Sycuan Ringside Promotions has many notable boxers in its stable, including Vazquez, Caballero and Paez, International Boxing Federation (IBF) lightweight champion Julio Diaz, World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight champion Joan Guzman, former WBC welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir and undefeated cruiserweight prospect Shawn Hawk.
Sycuan Ringside Promotions is led by Glenn Quiroga, president; Willie Tucker, executive vice president; and Scott Woodworth, vice president.