WBC Junior Featherweight Champion and “Pound for Pound” candidate Israel “El Magnifico” Vazquez was honored this past Saturday night at the LAX Marriott by the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
Vazquez’s epic third fight with Rafael Marquez on March 1, 2008 was named “2008 Fight of the Year” by the WBHOF at the awards dinner.
As he accepted the award Vazquez thanked the boxing fans who have been very supportive of him throughout his illustrious career. Vazquez was also honored at the event by the City of Los Angeles which presented him with a plaque acknowledging his fight with Marquez.
Said Vazquez after receiving the award, “The fans meant so much to me in that third fight. The passion that they had for both of us throughout the fight contributed to a terrific battle. It means so much to me to put on great performances for them in all my fights.”
Joining Vazquez at the awards dinner were manager Frank Espinoza and three undefeated members of his young stable, Luis Ramos, Ronny Rios and Abraham Lopez.
“It was a terrific evening for Israel . The fans mean so much to him and he was truly honored by this award. The third fight, just like the previous two were just outstanding battles” said Espinoza.
Vazquez cemented his place in the annals of boxing history over the last two years with his three epic battles against former world champion Rafael Marquez, culminating in his outstanding rubber match win on March 1 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.
The Vazquez/Marquez trilogy, thought by many to be amongst the greatest in boxing history, has won numerous accolades by the boxing media with the most recent bout sure to land atop many “2008 Fight of the Year” lists as well as the final round being given consideration for “2008 Round of the Year” as Vazquez scored a knockdown in the terrific final round to win the fight.
Vazquez, 43-4 (31) is currently ranked on numerous Pound for Pound lists including # 4 by Yahoo Sports, # 5 by Ring Magazine and # 7 by both ESPN and Sports Illustrated. More information can be viewed at his website, www.israel-vazquez.com
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