Vazquez-Marquez

SI Staff | Feb 29, 2008

Vazquez-Marquez /

Vazquez-Marquez

Rafael Marquez (pictured) was on the losing end of the 2007 Fight of the Year, but hopes to switch roles on Saturday when he faces Israel Vazquez for a third time. Here's a look back at bouts I and II.

Fight 1

Vazquez (blue shorts) suffered a broken nose early in the first bout, which Marquez won via a seventh round technical knockout when his opponent couldn't continue.

Fight 1

An "uplifted" Marquez improved his record to 41-4 after defeating Vazquez in their March 2007 slugfest.

Fight 2

An aggressive and motivated Vazquez took the fight to Marquez in their August rematch in Hildago, Texas.

Fight 2

Both corners were busy between rounds giving medical attention to their fighter.

Fight 2

Despite blood gushing from his right eye, Vazquez hung tough and banged out a sixth-round TKO.

Fight 2

"I did not put any pressure on myself to beat him the second time around," said Vazquez. "The only feeling I had was the need for revenge."

Fight 2

The second fight exceeded all expectations, largely due to the way both fighters fought with such passion.

Published Feb 29, 2008

SI STAFF