In a rematch of a leading candidate for Fight of the Year, Rafael Marquez will defend his WBC super bantamweight boxing title against former champion Israel Vazquez this Saturday, Aug. 4, on SHOWTIME at the Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, Tex.
In the first half of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast), Vazquez’ Sycuan Ringside Promotions’ stablemate, WBA 122-pound titleholder Celestino Caballero, will defend against Jorge Lacierva.
The world championship doubleheader is presented by Gary Shaw Productions and Sycuan Ringside Promotions in association with Golden Boy Promotions.
Tickets, priced at $25, $35, $50, $75, $100, $200, are on sale through all Ticketmaster outlets and on-line at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets also may be purchased at the Dodge Arena box office Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (central time) plus the day of the event, online at www.dodgearena.com, or by phone at 956-668-7740.
Here is what the boxers had to say at Thursday’s final press conference:
RAFAEL MARQUEZ
“I don’t get why Vazquez keeps blaming the last fight on his nose. I punched him. He got hurt. He did not trip. He got hit. It’s what boxers do. For him to say I won because of the nose injury is not fair. This time, I am going to hurt him all over his body. Maybe then he will respect me for what I did in the first fight.
“I feel a whole lot better in this fight than I did for our first. In March, I trained five weeks. I trained 12 hard weeks this time. I prepared harder for the rematch.
“I feel great and am very confident and excited. This is going to be another great fight, but I am going to win again. I am really determined to prove that our last fight was not a fluke.
“We will see on Saturday who the best fighter is.’’
ISRAEL VAZQUEZ
“I feel a little different before every fight but for this one I am as anxious and eager as I have ever been. At this point, this is the most important fight of my career. I am determined to show what I did not, or could not do, in our first. I am more motivated than ever. I wish the fight was today and not Saturday.
“I totally expect Marquez to come out very fast in the first three rounds. I believe he thinks he is in with a fighter than is not 100 percent healthy. But I am healthy and Marquez starting fast could be an advantage because when he comes in, he comes in wide and throws wide punches.
“I’m known as a slow starter so I plan to come out a little quicker. I am not going to give him a chance to build any confidence or gain any momentum.
“Marquez is not going to fight me any differently. What else can he bring to the table that he didn’t the first time? I don’t think he can do any more than he did. But I know I can do a lot more, and the world will see that on Saturday.
CELESTINO CABALLERO
“I am looking for a really great fight with Lacierva, who is an excellent Mexican fighter who I know will force the action. That is what I want – someone who will push me.
“I can’t wait until Saturday to prove that I am the best world champion at 122 pounds. Fighting on SHOWTIME presents me with a great opportunity.
“This is going to be a great show. I want to fight the winner of Marquez-Vazquez.’’
JORGE LACIERVA
“Finally, my dream is coming true. I have waited a long time – more than five years – for my shot at a world title. I really appreciate my promoter, Gary Shaw, giving me this opportunity.
“I am so hungry. I have to win this fight and become world champion. I have never really had a training camp before. I would go to a gym and train and spar, do my running, that sort of thing. But this is the first time I actually went away to a camp and left my girl behind. All I did was sleep and train for six weeks.
“I have fought two taller guys before, but I am still a little worried about getting inside on Caballero. But I know that once I do, I am going to work him like he has never been worked before.
“I believe Caballero is too tall for this weight class and has problems making the weight. So, once I get inside, I am going to work him up and down.
“A lot of people who expect a lot from me are going to be watching this fight in person or on SHOWTIME. This fight is for them, my friends and family. They have stuck with me. Now, it is my turn to give back to them what they have given to me.’’