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?