No fourth fight between Vazquez and Marquez

Israel Vazquez and manager Frank Espinoza told ESTO (link via BoxingScene.com) that the talked-about fourth fight between Vazquez and his great rival Rafael Marquez is "ruled out" for the time being, and they're blaming Marquez for asking for too much money.

"Everything I know is from the newspapers. I will speak to my manager Frank Espinoza. If Rafa does not want to fight me because he is asking for the stars and the moon, then that's theur problme. I will take another direction. As I've said, I want the WBC's featherweight. I want to fight in February or March," Vazquez told ESTO.

Espinoza confirmed:

"There definitely will not be a fourth fight between Israel and Marquez [next]. It has been completely ruled out. We have some very good plans or Vazquez," Espinoza said.

Gary Shaw said a few days back that a fourth fight wasn't even close, but he said both fighters were asking for too much money, and that the blame was shared. He said Showtime offered a one-time only $2.5 million for the fight, which would have been all-time high purses for both men.

When Vazquez says he wants the WBC featherweight title, that would indicate a desired fight with Elio Rojas (21-1, 13 KO). The Dominican has held the title since July, when he beat Takahiro Aoh in Japan. Rojas is a really good fighter who would have some fair size advantages and isn't anywhere near as beaten up. At 27, Rojas is far fresher than Vazquez. I don't discount Vazquez's spirit, only his physical ability to actually win a fight like that. After watching his October return against a guy who isn't a quarter as good as Rojas, I think that possible fight would be a huge uphill climb for Vazquez. I'd favor Rojas heavily.