Israel Vasquez and Rafael Marquez gave us one of the best trilogies in the history of boxing over the last 12 months. There’s no need for more, and certainly no need for “Four to Settle the Score.” BY GEORGE WILLIS
Israel Vasquez and Rafael Marquez gave us one of the best trilogies in the history of boxing over the last 12 months. There’s no need for more, and certainly no need for “Four to Settle the Score.”
That’s what promoter Gary Shaw has already coined a potential fourth meeting between the two Mexican gladiators.
Shaw also questioned why Russell gave Marquez a standing eight count in the final seconds of the 12th round. Marquez was enduring a barrage of punches from Vasquez, including a left hook that knocked him off-balance into the corner much like we saw when Floyd Mayweather bounced Ricky Hatton off the post. But Marquez grabbed the ropes to keep from falling, and his buckled knees and slumped stance were enough to warrant the eight-count from Russell.
Shaw said he didn’t want the protest to “sound like sour grapes,” which is exactly how it sounded as the complaints by Team Marquez consumed the entire post-fight press conference. It robbed Vasquez of what should have been his moment of glory.
If the WBC rules the fight a no contest (and I hope it doesn’t) it ruins one of the best trilogies boxing fans have witnessed in a while. The last thing we need is a fourth fight. Vasquez, his family and his health don’t need it. Neither do the people who really care about Marquez.
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