Rafael Marquez Prefers Toshiaki Nishioka to Yuriorkis Gamboa

by Scott Christ on May 28, 2011 2:03 PM EDT in Boxing News Analysis

Toshiaki Nishioka is in Rafael Marquez's sights for October 1. (Photo by Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images)

Rafael Marquez has had offers to face featherweight titlist Yuriorkis Gamboa next, but the Mexican veteran is targeting top super bantamweight Toshiaki Nishioka.

"On the first of October I will look to win the junior featherweight title again in Las Vegas against the WBC titlist, Japan's Toshiaki Nishioka. ... However the fight against Gamboa is there, and it can be taken into account later."

Marquez also mentions his desire to take a fifth fight with Israel Vazquez, which comes off as... I don't even know the word. Vazquez is retired due to his long and punishing career, and the fourth fight between the two last year was a depressing farce that pleased nobody.

If Marquez can still comfortably make 122 pounds, the fight with Nishioka is definitely the more winnable between that and Gamboa. Rafael is 36 years old and while still a hell of a fighter, my mind's eye sees a determined Gamboa tearing through him in short order. Nishioka, at 34, is the top fighter in the world at 122, but he's slowing down just a little bit too, and he and Marquez could have a proper competitive fight.

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No-one wants to fight Yuri

He’s like mini-Tyson; the Cubano version.

by Prize-fighter on May 28, 2011 6:22 PM EDT reply actions

In the mean time...

Gamboa-Donaire?

by lightmartyr on May 28, 2011 7:43 PM EDT reply actions

Gamboa-Donaire...

…should absolutely happen some time in the not too distant future.

What time is it?
HAWK TIME!

by Igorstyle on May 29, 2011 1:13 AM EDT up reply actions

If Marquez...

…is looking to get his hands on a belt, avoiding Gamboa is always a good idea. Gamboa would rip him to pieces. Rafael is still a really good fighter (even if he is not quite as good as his brother, but few are), but Gamboa is something truely special…

What time is it?
HAWK TIME!

by Igorstyle on May 29, 2011 1:18 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah, I think Gamboa’s wrong for Rafa, and I’m a huge Rafa fan. I mean, I think Marquez could knock out Gamboa, but it would have to at this point be a semi-“lucky” shot during a big exchange. Gamboa’s just too fast, too good for him now. And too fresh.

Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."

by Scott Christ on May 29, 2011 4:51 AM EDT up reply actions