Video Interview With “El Magnifico”
As Antonio Margarito is set to face off against heated rival Miguel Cotto this weekend, the boxing world will be watching as their mega rematch has had plenty of drama leading up to this fiery clash. Margarito was forced to undergo a multitude of doctors’ eye exams in order to be granted a license by the New York State Athletic Commission where the bout will take place.
The “Tijuana Tornado’s” broken orbital bone and detached retina made me think of another courageous Mexican warrior, Israel “El Magnifico” Vazquez (44-5, 32 KOs). Both sluggers have recovered from surgeries repairing their damaged eyes; both boxers usually wear dark shades while indoors to protect their vision.
And both former champions–full of heart and love of the game–still want to fight in the vein of that “going out on their shield” mentality. The Margarito eye controversy created a big scuttlebutt in boxing circles. And when, and if, Israel steps back into the ring critics may wonder if he, too, is risking his eyesight?
Back in the ’80s, famed fighter Sugar Ray Leonard also suffered a detached retina. Facing an onslaught of criticism, he continued to box. And after surgery repaired his eye, he went on to rightfully stake his claim in the history books.
So should a boxer with eye issues continue to fight?
Each individual fighter’s case is different, of course. There are two camps of thought in this matter, two thoughts with polar opposite opinions.
Some say a boxer risking further (and permanent) eye injury is crazy to continue fighting; the danger and threat of long-term damage is not worth the price of glory. Others think a fighter will know when it’s time to hang up the gloves, that you can’t count out any former champ who chooses to continue. There are countless aging and proud pugilists who still fight, even while naysayers state they are past their prime.
Is one more victory worth the price?
Obviously, boxing is a dangerous blood sport. You will get hit; you could get hurt, with both short-term and long-term effects always a threat.
But the brutality of it all–the blood, guts and gore of the sweet science–is what fans applaud, clamor for, and shell out money for. After all, what’s a “highlight reel” without those painful slo-mo shots of each and every vicious punch or shocking knockout?
Known for his four wars versus Rafael Marquez, Israel was always willing to sacrifice it all in the ring. His last bout against Marquez was May 22 of last year while as a featherweight. Their dramatic trilogy was a classic and the fourth fight evened the score. What brought them fame were these amazing battles of both going toe to toe in their bloody brawls. But it’s these bouts that made him that also created the eye issues Israel faces now.
Since his time off the canvas, Vazquez has been keeping busy. He has been ringside as a boxing commentator, donates his time to charitable causes and also just opened up his own “Magnifico Gym” in Southern California where he will train young boxers. His grand opening in South Gate had special guests including his longtime manager and Hall of Famer Frank Espinoza and fellow fighters Abner Mares and Daniel Ponce De Leon in attendance. The fans came out in droves to s
ee their undisputed favorite champion.
A pro since 1995, the former WBC Super Bantamweight Champion remains one of the biggest fan favorites out there. And “Izzy” has to be one of the nicest boxers you will ever meet. Always smiling, always accommodating, the prizefighter has remained friendly and humble throughout his career. A devoted family man to his beautiful wife Laura and their two young sons, Vazquez doesn’t get caught up in the limelight.
But his heart remains in boxing. With the heart of a champion, the power puncher says he may return to the ring in 2012.
I chatted recently with Israel at a charity fight night where he was a celebrity judge alongside champions Mikey Garcia and Mando Muniz. With his cheerful demeanor, Israel is always fun to talk to. While I caught up with him, Vazquez, who will turn 34 on Christmas Day, says he hopes to fight again but will consider what’s best for him, his health and his family.
If he does fight, will he be subjected to various eye tests the same way Antonio Margarito did?
Only time will tell if a future match is in store for this beloved warrior from Mexico City.
“I’m gonna rest right now, relax in my home and enjoy my family,” he told me. “But maybe I will come back next year.”
“So you haven’t officially retired yet?” I asked. “You still want to fight?”
“YES,” he smiled. “I love boxing!”
Fight fans, what do you think?
Should fighters with a history of eye damage continue to fight?
Israel Vazquez will always be a favorite champion to many. No matter what he does, he will have a busy and successful future ahead of him with his new gym and his work as a commentator.
Listen in on my conversation with the former world titleholder as he talks about wanting to fight again in 2012, his thoughts on Rafael Marquez and his message to all his loyal fans!
Israel Vazquez Interview Link:
Photos by Michele Chong