It has been a year and a half since Israel Vazquez 43-4 (31) has seen any ring action, but after a much needed layoff full of rest, relaxation and recuperation, the three time world champ will return to the ring October 10th at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, CA to take on long time veteran Angel Antonio Priolo 30-7 (20).
Vazquez is coming off the thrilling trilogy against Rafael Marquez where Vazquez won two of the three throw downs, which will go down in history as epic wars. After suffering a detached retina, Vazquez took a hiatus from the ring, and now after fully healing up, “Magnifico” is set to return.
In this exclusive interview conducted by Convicted Artist Magazine, Vazquez talks about his upcoming bout and touches on his future, enjoy.
Benny Henderson Jr.
It has been a long lay off, how was the much needed rest and relaxation?
Israel Vazquez
Yes, it has been a long time. But as you said, I feel my body needed the rest. It was good for me and feels my injury may have been a blessing in disguised!
BH
How excited are you to get back into the ring?
IV
I'm very excited! It's all I think about. I can't wait to get back in the ring and fight for the fans. I may not have a title at the featherweight division but I feel I am the people's champ! And I'm ready to defend it.
BH
What do you know about your opponent?
IV
Angel Priolo has a good record and has fought some good guys. He may not be a world beater, but I will not underestimate him. He has nothing to lose. But whatever he may bring on October 10th, it won't be enough. I have patiently waited for this moment and I'm hungrier than ever.
BH
If all goes well in this fight, how long will it be until you get a BIG fight, and who do you want that BIG fight to be against?
IV
I want to get back into it. Obviously, my team and I are waiting to see how I do on October 10th. But if all goes, well I want to fight the big names.
BH
You recovered from a detached retina, all though you are fully healed, is it a concern that is could possibly happen again?
IV
Yes, I am fully recovered and I'm ready to fight. In boxing there are many risk once you step into that ring. But I'm not worried about them. There have many fighters than have come back from the same injury. Sugar Ray Leonard being one of them.
BH
What do you want to say to the fight world about your return?
IV
I can truly say that I have missed boxing and I hope boxing has missed me. On October 10th, I want to let the fight world know that Israel Vazquez is back. I have been away from the ring for over a year and half and I'm hungrier than ever. I want to fight the big names and put on exciting fights.
BH
Is there anything you want to add to or say in closing?
IV
I would like to thank you Benny for always being a supporter of mine. And on October 10th not only will the boxing world know that I am back, but soon will the featherweight division!
Once again I would like to thank Frank Espinoza for his time and help with this interview, and a thank you goes out to Israel Vazquez as well for his time and thoughts.
Benny Henderson Jr.
www.convictedartist.com