Israel Vasquez (43-4, 31 KOs) retained his WBC Jr. Featherweight Belt (122 lbs) by defeating Rafael Marquez (37-5, 33 KOs) tonight in Carson, CA
The fight was just as action packed as their first two, with each fighter scoring knockdowns (Marquez got his in the fourth, and Vasquez scored one in the twelfth). Marquez was penalized a point in the tenth round for a low blow but the punch landed on Vasquez’ right hip. Still, it was below the belt and Marquez had been warned several times.
The twelfth round was key in this bout. Vasquez came out firing and hurt Marquez. Marquez just tried to survive but he was unable to keep Vasquez off of him. With only seconds left in the bout, Vasquez landed a right that sent Marquez stumbling into the ropes. Referee Pat Russell correctly stepped in and called the knockdown. Vasquez won the round by a 10-8 margin and went on to win the fight by split decision.
Official scores were 114-111, 113-112, and 111-114. (Fight Report had it 114-112 for Vasquez.)
