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The continuing rumors of a fourth fight between Mexican warriors Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez are heating up once again. Michael Rosenthal reports that the current discussions are for an October 17 pay-per-view fight from Las Vegas, and that the Marquez side has rejected a deal that would give Vazquez -- who won two of three in their already legendary rivalry -- a 60-40 split. A deal could be reached at 50-50, they say.
I continue to have conflicting feelings about it, but the two are going to fight, so why not fight each other? There's still unfinished business there in some ways, it's still one of the most can't-miss possible matchups in the sport, and it's almost surely the most money either of them are going to get to fight this year. Marquez returned to active competition in May with a third round stoppage of Jose Francisco Mendoza. Vazquez still hasn't fought since their last grueling battle in March 2008, but has been medically cleared to return. The fight would be at 126 pounds, up from 122 for their previous three.
At this point, I say bring it on. You're damn right I'll pay to view this one. They never let me down before.
Rosenthal also says that talks have started to match WBA middleweight titlist Felix Sturm against Winky Wright. Richard Schaefer is helping with the deal, and says that Winky is totally willing to go to Germany for the fight, which would take place early next year or perhaps late this year. Wright also would like to fight Kelly Pavlik, but for whatever reason his first choice is Sturm. Golden Boy was considering putting Wright on the Mayweather-Marquez undercard for September 19, but since Wright is getting married on August 1, it wasn't doable for him.