World War IV

If there’s a trilogy in boxing history that can be looked upon in epic proportion then the Vazquez-Marquez pairing ranks right at the top. You can vote in the current pole on what you think was one of the best boxing trilogies or you may leave a comment at the bottom of this post to any that you would like to add.

There was Ali-Frazier, Barrera-Morales, Griffith-Paret and Patterson-Johansson that role off the tip of my tong, but come Saturday night Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez will meet for a rare fourth time inside the ring. From what I can remember it was just recently that flyweight fighters Daisuke Naito and Pongsaklek Wonjongkam reached a draw in 2008 in their fourth meeting while Sugar Ray Robinson and Jake LaMotta drew gloves a total of six times.

Who has the edge in this one? I don’t really think that’s the underlying story.

What is important is how these two special Mexican fighters have continued to remain in the sport after such brutal beat downs. As either fighter or fan of the sport, we all know the punishment that these athletes takes inside the ring. If there was anyone out there who could argue this point just sit them in front of the past three matches between these two warriors and opinions would change swiftly. That’s to say not only has all three WARS been some of the most exhilarating displays of exchanges all time but they also stand testimont to the brutality and danger that these fighters must face every time they step onto the canvas.

So as not to bore anyone with my own analysis of such a monumental meeting, my main goal is to just give respect, warm wishes and hope for a safe bout for both Vazquez and Marquez. While all three fights were close (even after Vazquez scored the TKO in the sixth round in fight two because the score cards were damn near close), it has taken both warriors many months of time to heal from such devastating exchanges dating back to 2007.

If you want to view two greats at the tail end of their careers largely impart to their intertwined fate to face each other throughout their histories then please tune into Showtime on Saturday night. There is no doubt in my mind that you will be witnessing not only another piece of boxing history but you will be watching two fighters who have helped weave their way into the memories of so many fans across the globe.

Godspeed to both of these iconic gentleman in the sport we so dearly love!

Note: For anyone interested Vegas books think this fight will play out like the rest have, installing Marquez as a $1.40 favorite (bet $140 to make $100), while Vazquez is catching +110 on the board (bet $100 to make $110). Personally I’ll take Marquez in this one because how fitting would that be if Marquez could even this series up at two apiece?

Fresh Talent

He’s got a long way to go and a lot to prove but nobody can deny the fact that Daniel Jacobs is on his way to the top. At the tender age of 23, Jacobs is only 19 fights deep into his professional career. He’s toppled the competition thus far, recording 16 total KOs. But there’s a lot of young, ultra talented fighters like Jacobs in the sport and to gather enough momentum the Brooklyn native must claim victory over many more opponents in a crowded and competitive middleweight division.

But a giant step will be taken on Saturday night as part of an undercard attraction featuring a main event between Amir Khan and Paulie Malignaggi. Before the two aforementioned fighters take center stage, Daniel Jacobs will get to finally display his goods at historic Madison Square Garden.

A quick background on why this is the highlight of Jacobs’ career to this point; for one Jacobs has been paraded around the country from Chicago to California. He’s only once fought in MSG and before that in Atlantic City. Why such an importance to fight in the Big Apple? Maybe because as a Brooklyn born New Yorker, Jacobs has the opportunity to build up a tremendous fan base in his own home city and state. The question I ask is, why so long to market this pure bred boxer in New York City? The facts speak for themselves: in 19 career fights Jacobs has hit the West Coast 11 times. Not necessarily marketing genius for an East Coast kid.

And so “the Golden Child” (as they call him) will once again square off against a journeyman who’s main profession during the day doesn’t probably include work inside of a boxing gymnasium. That opponent is Juan Astorga whose record of 14-4-1 with nine KOs isn’t the best evidence of an accomplished boxer at 31 years old.

Daniel Jacobs has plenty to prove if he wants to become a well known name in the sport. He’s far from that distinguished plateau but surely on his way. Just remember the name. Jacobs comes packed with a super right-hand and loves the left hook to the body. He said in interviews before his favorite shot is to the body.

This kid is special and it’s not because he shares my last name or is from the same neighborhood as my pops. It’s his God given talent, his respectful demeanor and the excitement he brings to an already action packed middleweight division that I've taken a fancy to.