Boxing Preview: Israel Vazquez vs. Rafael Marquez IV

After three epic WBC super bantam title fights that took place between March, 2007 and March, 2008, Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez will once again square off as the two meet this evening over 12 rounds at featherweight at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA.

Since their dramatic trilogy, both men have fought and won at featherweight with Vazquez, 44-4 (32), knocking out Angel Antonio Priolo in nine this past October and Marquez, 38-5 (34), stopping Jose Francisco Mendoza in May, 2009.

With Vazquez having won the second and third of his bouts with Marquez and Marquez having had the longer layoff, Vazquez will likely have the advantage in this latest installment of their very own tournament.

But after having experienced such brutal wars against each other, this contest tonight will be determined by just how much each man has left in the tank.

Marquez is now 35 and knows that this is probably his last chance at the big time while Marquez at 32 could suffer a loss and still come back and that could prove to be the final factor to return Marquez to the winner’s circle.

The undercard features the first title defense of IBF bantamweight boss Yohhny Perez, 20-0 (14), who puts his belt at risk against undefeated contender Abner Mares, 20-0 (13).

Mares previously held the NABO strap but will be taking a big step up by challenging Perez, who outpointed ex-IBO king Silence Mabuza before shocking reigning IBF champ Joseph Agbeko last October.

Perez should retain but is giving away seven years in youth to 24 year old Mares, something that could come into play if the bout goes into the later rounds.