Best fights of Rafael Márquez
Over 18 years as a professional, Rafael Márquez has compiled a 41-9 (37) record, including 17 title fights across three weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Rafael Márquez KOs Israel Vázquez in their 4th fight
On May 22, 2010 Rafael Márquez fought Israel Vázquez for the vacant WBC Silver featherweight title. It was their fourth meeting. Márquez was 35 years old with a record of 38-5, and Vázquez was 32 with a record of 44-4. Márquez was coming off a win and Vázquez was on a 3-fight winning streak. Márquez stopped Israel Vázquez via KO in the 3rd round. Won the vacant title.
2. Rafael Márquez KOs Mark Johnson in their 2nd fight
On February 23, 2002 Rafael Márquez fought Mark Johnson for the vacant IBF-USBA bantamweight title. It was their second meeting. Márquez was 26 years old with a record of 26-3, and Johnson was 30 with a record of 40-2. Márquez was on a 5-fight winning streak, while Johnson was coming off a loss. Márquez stopped Mark Johnson via TKO in the 8th round. Won the vacant title.
3. Rafael Márquez stops Israel Vázquez
On March 3, 2007 Rafael Márquez fought Israel Vázquez for the WBC and The Ring super bantamweight titles. Márquez was 31 years old with a record of 36-3, and Vázquez was 29 with a record of 41-3. Márquez was on a 15-fight winning streak and Vázquez was on a 9-fight winning streak. Márquez stopped Israel Vázquez via retirement in the 7th round. Crowned the new super bantamweight champion.
4. Rafael Márquez defeats Mark Johnson
On October 6, 2001 Rafael Márquez faced Mark Johnson in a bantamweight bout. Márquez was 26 years old with a record of 25-3, and Johnson was 30 with a record of 40-1. Márquez was on a 4-fight winning streak and Johnson was on a 2-fight winning streak. Márquez won via split decision.
5. Rafael Márquez loses to Israel Vázquez in their 3rd fight via split decision
On March 1, 2008 Rafael Márquez fought Israel Vázquez for the WBC and The Ring super bantamweight titles. It was their third meeting. Márquez was 32 years old with a record of 37-4, and Vázquez was 30 with a record of 42-4. Márquez was coming off a loss, while Vázquez was coming off a win. Márquez lost via split decision. Failed to capture the title. Went the distance with Vázquez.
6. Rafael Márquez KOs Peter Frissina
On January 31, 2004 Rafael Márquez defended his IBF bantamweight title against Peter Frissina. Márquez was 28 years old with a record of 30-3, and Frissina was 0 with a record of 0-0. Márquez was on a 9-fight winning streak. Márquez stopped Peter Frissina via TKO in the 2nd round. Defended the title.
7. Rafael Márquez KOs Heriberto Ruiz
On July 31, 2004 Rafael Márquez defended his IBF bantamweight title against Heriberto Ruiz. Márquez was 29 years old with a record of 31-3, and Ruiz was 0 with a record of 0-0. Márquez was on a 10-fight winning streak. Márquez stopped Heriberto Ruiz via KO in the 3rd round. Defended the title.
8. Rafael Márquez KOs Silence Mabuza
On November 5, 2005 Rafael Márquez defended his IBF bantamweight title against Silence Mabuza. Márquez was 30 years old with a record of 34-3, and Mabuza was 0 with a record of 0-0. Márquez was on a 13-fight winning streak. Márquez stopped Silence Mabuza via TKO in the 4th round. Defended the title.
9. Rafael Márquez KOs Mauricio Pastrana in their 2nd fight
On November 27, 2004 Rafael Márquez defended his IBF bantamweight title against Mauricio Pastrana. It was their second meeting. Márquez was 29 years old with a record of 32-3, and Pastrana was 0 with a record of 0-0. Márquez was on a 11-fight winning streak. Márquez stopped Mauricio Pastrana via TKO in the 8th round. Defended the title.
10. Rafael Márquez KOs Tim Austin
On February 15, 2003 Rafael Márquez fought Tim Austin for the vacant IBF bantamweight title. Márquez was 27 years old with a record of 28-3, and Austin was 0 with a record of 0-0. Márquez was on a 7-fight winning streak. Márquez stopped Tim Austin via TKO in the 8th round. Won the vacant title.