Rafas technically sound both he and his brother are trained by 'Nacho' Beristein, Mexicos greatest trainer and one of the IF not the most technical trainer ever. Having trained 2 of the most technically sound fighters the great 'Finito' Lopez and Gilberto Roman. Hes also trained Daniel Zaragoza & Humberto Gonzalez all GREAT Champs.

About Rafa, he caught his 1st break when he was gonna be used as a stepping stone for the then very fast and skilled Mark 'Too Sharp' Johnson when they met in 2001. I've seen this fight a lot lately cause it's one of the 1st fights I converted to DVD in my collection.
It was a HUGE step up in class for Rafa the fight started off well with Johnson being faster and flashier but Rafa was landing the harder punches. As the fight wen't on Johson started using dirty tactics and began to hit after the break and and hit behind the head. Rafa kept his composure and fought on. In the middle rounds Rafa started getting the better of the trades going toe to toe. Towards the end of the fight Johnson head locks Rafa and the ref. after warning Johnson takes away a point. Rafas power catches up to Johnson and Rafa snaps Johnsons head back and makes Johnson stumble to the ropes. Johnson keeps his balance and Rafa fires away hurting Johnson as Johnson beigns to hold and run away from Rafa. In the end Johnson was announced the winner but minutes later it was found that one of the judges scorecards was added wrong. In the end IMO the Rafa won that fight. To clear ANY mix ups from the 1st meeting they did it again 4 months later and Rafa TKO'd him in 8 rds.
That was the begining of the Rafa we know now.
He then faced Austin the then slick champ. Rafa was fighting a good fight Austin was slick and moved around a lot and was wining rounds when in the 8th Rafa power again catches up to Austin and captures the IBF title.
Since then hes been fighting top opponents and has defeated anyone the IBF has put in front of him. There is no doubt that beating Vasquez is his biggest win but thats without saying hes beat some prominent opponents in his career. He has good power in both hands and can either box or trade if he has to.
I personally would like to see Marquez vs. Vasquez II, I mean Vasquez gave him a shot it's only right Marquez returns the deed.
In the NEAR future I would like to see Marquez fight the winner of Molitor vs. Ndlovu.