Beyond the Ropes with Israel Vasquez. (An interview by CutMeMick)

[CutMeMick]

This morning I had the oppourtunity to attend the 29th Annual Miracle on 1st St. toy giveaway. Which is held at the Hollenbeck Youth Center in East LA. On hand where several professional boxers along with amateur boxers. Actor Tom Arnold was there also helping out in the event and over 1,000 people stood in line to accept toys from community leaders. Also in attendance were The Laker Girls who put on quite the performance and the City Mayor.

As the event was still getting underway and the last arrangements were being made by the volunteers. I took the time to sit down and have a one on one conversation with Israel "El Magnifico" Vasquez which turned out to be an interview.


.oOo.Beyond the Ropes with Israel Vasquez.oOo.
By: Robert M.

RM: Hello Israel how are you?
IV: Hi. I'm good thanks for asking.

RM: What brings you here to the Hollenbeck Yout Center.
IV: Just here with the kids, showing support and helping out the community. This is the 3rd year I'm here and it's great to be able to talk to the kids and encourage them to succeed in life and follow their dreams.
RM: That's great Israel. I grew up in these streets of East LA and believe me we need more people like you athletes to take the time to talk to the youth and give them some words of encouragement.

RM: I'm really intrigued in learning about boxers beyond the ring, beyond the ropes. I think as fans we can indentify more and relate more when we know more then just the boxer in the ring. One of the things that I'm most intrigued with is knowing the history of a boxers nickname. So tell me "El Magnifico" (The Magnificent) where did it come from?
IV: You know it's funny. I don't really like when boxers have nicknames. To me I always wanted to be just Israel Vasquez. But Jose Ramirez a boxing journalist (formerly with LA's most popular spanish newspaper La Opinion) was the one who gave me that nickname. He wrote several articles on me and in there he would often use the word "magnifico" and it just stuck. Now I like it because I realize that it identifies me and sets me apart.
RM: It really does. I can't think of another boxer with that same nickname I think it's defintely original.


RM: Recently in the news Salma Hayek said that she had been here in the US illegally for sometime before she got her papers. What's your story on that? I know you were born in Mexico City, DF. But I know you reside here in the Los Angeles area. How long have you been here?
IV: (Laughs out loud and smiles) That's funny. You know I've never been interviewed like this but I like it. Uuum. No I've never been here illegally (laughs again) I either had a visa or now I have my residency. But I've been living here in LA for about 8 years now.

RM: So what does Israel like to do here in LA. You like going to City Walk (Universal Studios entertainment area) or The mall, Santa Monica or maybe Hollywood?
IV: Well my wife loves going to the mall (laughs). I like going out to eat with my family.
RM: Ohhh ok cool. Where do you like to go eat?
IV: There's this Mexican food restaurant called "El Jalisciense" in Huntington Park (suburb here in LA) that I really like. Matter a fact just last night I took my wife and some friends to eat there. The food is very authentic there.
RM: In other words no In n Out or Jack in the Box or Pizza Hut for you?
IV: Well I'll eat the food but it's not something I crave for. I rather eat good Mexican food.

RM: Israel, if we were to go to your car right now and turn on the stereo what would we hear? Whether a CD or the radio or your I-Pod if you have one in there?
IV: Music yeah who doesn't like music. I like a little bit of everything. Spanish Rock like Caifanes and Mana. I also like bands like Guns N Roses and Metallica.
RM: Ever been to one of their concerts?
IV: No. GNR hasn't been the same for years and when they were touring before I just never got around to see them.


RM: Now for a bit about your profession. Israel take me back to your 1st pro fight. What is it that you remember the most about that day?
IV: The nerves. (As he laughs) it was just a bit unexpected. There was a tournament that was going to take place and about 1 week away my trainer calls me and tells me that there was an opening in the tournament and if I wanted to participate but I had to fight at 116 and I wanted to go in at 118. After talking it over I just told myself to just go for it. I mean I was 17 and it was an oppourtunity to finally step in the ring. I had to lose about 10 pounds that week to be ready come fight night. But it was worth taking that risk. I was even told by doctors then since I was only 17 that if anything went wrong that night like if I got KO'd or beat up really bad that they would suspend my liscence and not let me fight again. But here I am today.

RM: Just the other night I was watching your trilogy with Oscar "Chololo" Larios. What can you tell me about that fight and events leading up to those fights.
IV: Wow! You really brought a smile to my face. Not a lot of people know or at least talk about my fights with him. You caught of guard and my defense is pretty good. (As he's laughing) What can I say, the 1st fight was just a flash. We were both considered really good boxers. He was more known then me at the time and I had just suffered my 1st defeat. I think they felt confident that they would knock me out.
RM: And were they wrong. You got him 1st with what looked to me like a flash knockdown. But then you delivered what I consider one of the most brutal and devastating KO's I have ever seen.
IV: Yes it was he fell like a tree. We traded well in the center of the ring and he got me with a few good shots but I got him back when it mattered. The 2nd fight I have to admit was hard to take. My son was sick my wife was pregnant and about to give birth and I got really sick several days prior to the fight. There was just so much going on and don't think those are excuses.
RM: Ohhh I don't I clearly asked you a question and I feel you are being honest.
IV: It was just hard because I know I would have beat him but it happens. He beat me fair and square and we settled it with a 3rd fight and I got the best of him.

[CutMeMick]

(Part 2)

RM: What about your fight with Jhonny Gonzalez what a fight that was. What can you tell me about that fight?
IV: It was a tough fight I never expected him to box me the way he did. But to be honest I knew that when I caught up to him I would get him. I knew it. People told me he was strong and he had power.
RM: When he dropped you or when an opponent drops you Israel what goes through your head?
IV: Positive thinking. I never think oh shit I'm hurt or I'm done. I just try to clear my head as best as I can and more importantly I have to convince the ref. that I'm ok. Because I can convince myself real easy that I'm ok. It's convincing the ref. to let you fight on that matters the most. So I think to myself but at the same time make sure the ref. is letting me fight on and then I'll worry if I'm really ok to fight on. I'll worry about gather myself once I see the fight hasn't been stopped.
RM: Ok that's interesting. Had not really thought about it that way. But you definetly have a point.


IV: I gotta tell you Robert. I'm not a big fan of some of the press and I know your not really part of the press but this started as a conversation that's turned into a somewhat interview but you know what. I'm actually enjoying it.
RM: Thank you Israel I'm enjoying it myself.


RM: So who's your fav. boxer all time and who's your fav. current boxer today?
IV: All time it's easy. Julio C. Chavez you can say what you want about his career. But you don't win that many titles and have that many successful title defenses for nothing. People need to realize that as boxers we risk it all in the ring and it's not like he held some insignificant titles. As for the present time it has to be Pacquiao. What's not to like about him. He get's to the gym at 10:00 wraps his own hands warms up and starts he doesn't stop until he's done around 2:00 sometimes and the only rest he get's is 30 sec. other than that he's training. You have to admire that. He is making the sacrifice that a lot of boxers don't have the discipline to do.
RM: You know something Israel just between you and I. I don't think he's human.
IV: (Laughs) What do you mean?
RM: I don't know I have this strange feeling like he was created or something. Like he's some type of superhuman.
IV: (Laughs more) You mean like they created him in and they built him (as he's laughing) that's funny. I sparred with him several times and trained with him along side Freddie and let me tell you. He is superhuman (laughs) you think he's fast on tv or in person? Imagine how fast he is when the punches are coming at you? It took me about a week to adjust (I start laughing out loud) Wait what? Why are you laughing?
RM: I'm not laughing at you it's just crazy to hear that it took a week to adjust to him and find the rhythim. These guys that fight him have minutes to adjust.
IV: But I got the hang of him and found some weaknesses in him.
RM: Well it seems like the body is a weakness.
IV: Yeah that's definitely one of them. Speaking of going to the body you know whos another fighter whom I really like Ruben Olivares.
RM: Really. Wow he's one of my all time fav. and IMO the greatest Bantamweight ever man could he throw a body shot. Don't know if you know this but his more known nickname "El Puas" has to do with his hair. Early in his career he had thick straight pointy hair and friends in the gym nicknamed him "El Puas" because of that.
IV: I didn't know that's how he got it. That's interesting.

RM: What's next for you Israel? One more fight maybe two? Retirement?
IV: No more boxing for me. Maybe and that's a huge maybe one more as a farewell. But who knows.
RM: Would you still like to be involved in boxing?
IV: Yes. At 1st I thought about being a promoter but there is just too much competition going on and let's be honest GBP is boxing and the future of it. I would really like to become a Trainer so I'm going to focus on that. I want to be trainer and get my stable of fighters and build up. Create a name for myself as a trainer and do that as a career.

RM: Lastly Israel...(He interupts me)
IV: What do you mean lastly we're just getting started. (Laughs)
RM: What's your view on a PBF vs. Pac fight? How do you see that playing out?
IV: Mayweather. Like I just told you I admire Pacquiao and he's a good friend. But in my honest opinion Mayweather beats him and anyone else around that weight class. Mayweather carries his weight and he carries it well. He might be flamboyant and he doesn't have the most exciting style in fighting but man can he box. People need to really study him. Watch him but without expectations, whatch but not in a negative aspect. Just watch him box look at the movements and adjustments. It took me a week to adjust to Pacquiao but it'll take Mayweather only a couple of rounds to do it. He's just an excellent boxer.


RM: OK then since you asked here's one more. Aside from boxing what other sport or sports do you play or enjoy watching?
IV: Soccer. Growing up in Mexico I played it often. My favorite team is Chivas de Guadalajara and as Mexican I'm really proud of "Chicharito" and what he is doing with Manchester United.
RM: Any other teams you like?
IV: Barcelona.
RM: Ohh no!!! that's 2 for 2. I like America and Real Madrid.
IV: OK, well it was nice talking to you. See you around (as he sticks his hand out and laughs)
RM: We couldn't be anymore opposites.
IV: What a game that was. Barcelona just dominated Real Madrid they had no answers for our ball control and were lost. This season should have a really good ending like a few years back when it was decided in the last game of the season.
RM: Ohh yes when Real Madrid beat Mallorca what a way to close out the season.


RM: Israel thank you for taking the time to talk with me. I really enjoyed learning more about you and listening to your answers.
IV: Thank you and I wish more press was like this. You should really get involved with this you really have a way of coming through and your genuine and not everyone has that.
RM: Thanks appreciate your advice.

RM: Nice jacket by the way.
IV: (Laughs) Yeah thanks you too.

[skel1983]

Class Mick, you need to do more of these if possible.

[:::PSL:::]

Nice interview. Cool shades guys.

[THE THIRD MAN]

One of the best interviews i have ever read, great job!

[CutMeMick]

Thank you guys for taking the time to respond...

And also to those who have taken the time to read it.

[Cressa121]

Nice one, great interview

[BoxingGorilla]

Great stuff. Vasquez had no clue he was talking to a legend.

[CFH]

Great stuff Mick, very good. Your personality really comes through even in print and it seemed like a very genuine interview - very conversational.

[donnydarkoIRL]

great interview, great fighter

[Master]

well done, one of my favourite fighters, if i was a woman i would have his babies.

[No Contest]

Thats pretty funny that you guys look like you co-ordinated your wardrobes. Vasquez is always wearing those shades now, are his eyes still messed up? Hopefully his vision hasnt been effected, great interview.

[Youngblood]

awesome read Mick, thanks.

[milmascaras1]

great, great interview. i have only been a lukewarm fan of vazquez and during their trilogy + 1, i rooted for rafa marquez but you can't deny this guy was a blood and guts fighter. could be outboxed like what jhonny gonzalez did to him but sooner or later, his perseverance would show and he'd find a way to win, bloody and cut. slam dunk future hall of famer, imo.

[CutMeMick]

Thanks again guys for the comments, reps and cc's... Appreciate it.

Great stuff. Vasquez had no clue he was talking to a legend.

Fucken Silverback... that shit made me laugh.
He was really cool and friendly as usual.

Great stuff Mick, very good. Your personality really comes through even in print and it seemed like a very genuine interview - very conversational.

It was I think because he was into it and my question werent questions he would have expected.
Which is what I was aiming for maybe next time I get the chance I'll record it on video the only reason why I'm hesitant about that is because of having to edit the video and all that...

well done, one of my favourite fighters, if i was a woman i would have his babies.

WTF?

Thats pretty funny that you guys look like you co-ordinated your wardrobes. Vasquez is always wearing those shades now, are his eyes still messed up? Hopefully his vision hasnt been effected, great interview.

It was, it was like we called each other to see what we were gonna wear...

Yeah I caught several glimpses of his eye area (lids, eyebrows etc.) when he would move his head and you can clearly see that it's pretty drastic the damage he sustained.
When someone else asked him about his next fight as we sat there he told them "No more I gotta walk away now that I still have my cute face"
His nose doesn't look as bad as it did the last time I seen him. But you can hear it in his voice though almost as if he has a stuffy nose.

great, great interview. i have only been a lukewarm fan of vazquez and during their trilogy + 1, i rooted for rafa marquez but you can't deny this guy was a blood and guts fighter. could be outboxed like what jhonny gonzalez did to him but sooner or later, his perseverance would show and he'd find a way to win, bloody and cut. slam dunk future hall of famer, imo.

I'm like you I started off as a huge Rafa fan but having sat ringside for 2 of the 4 fights (I was there for the 1st and 3rd fight) I quickly became an Izzy fan I'm mean when your emotionally tide to fights like that you just can't help it but admire and respect both fighters. I broke my chair from the excitement at the Home Depot Center...