LAS VEGAS, Nev.–(Aug. 17, 2006) Israel Vazquez, winner of eight in a row, can hardly wait to defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) super bantamweight title against WBC bantamweight champion Jhonny Gonzalez Sept. 16. “I wish the fight was today,” said Vazquez, who’s promoted by Sycuan Ringside Promotions..
“Gonzalez is a world champion and a great fighter moving up in weight, but he’s doing it against the wrong guy. I’m feeling strong, feeling motivated. I know a lot of good will come my way if I win, but right now my focus is just him.”
The bout is part of an HBO pay-per-view card from the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
Vazquez (40-3, 29 KOs), of Cudahy, Calif., by way of Mexico City, Mexico, captured the WBC crown with a crushing third-round TKO of Oscar Larios, Dec. 3, 2005, in Las Vegas, then defended successfully with another stunning knockout, this time in the fourth round, against Ivan Hernandez June 10, 2006, in Atlantic City, N.J.
Managed by Frank Espinoza, Vazquez trains with Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, Calif.
“Gonzalez is a tough opponent because he’s tall and rangy,” Roach said. “We’re looking to get inside on him, get inside that long reach, break down the body and take him out in the later rounds.”
Vazquez has been with Sycuan Ringside Promotions since the company’s early days.
“Gonzalez is younger, physically imposing and a tough task for Israel,” said Glenn Quiroga, President of Sycuan Ringside Promotions. “But Israel is devastating inside, on a streak and he will rise to the occasion.”
“Israel has been electrifying in his past two fights, scoring early knockouts over impressive opponents, and has established himself as the best 122-pounder in the world,” said Scott Woodworth, Vice President of Sycuan Ringside Promotions.
On Sept. 16, Vazquez looks to reaffirm his place atop that weight division.
About Sycuan Ringside Promotions
Sycuan Ringside Promotions (SRP) of San Diego is the fastest-growing, most dynamic promotional entity in the sport. Making its promotional debut in 2004, SRP already boasts four world champions and has promoted and presented world title bouts across the country on premium cable networks. SRP has many notable boxers in its stable, including World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight world champion Carlos Baldomir, former World Boxing Organization junior featherweight champion Joan Guzman, International Boxing Federation lightweight interim champion Julio Diaz, World Boxing Association super bantamweight interim champion Celestino Caballero, former World Boxing Organization bantamweight champion Mauricio Martinez and undefeated teenage lightweight sensation Jorge Paez Jr.