Vazquez signs with MTK Global following controversial loss to Ritson
Photo by Ron Cortes/Getty images
The Mexican veteran is the newest member of the MTK stable.
Vetearn and former lightweight titleholder Miguel Vazquez got the short end of the stick in a robbery loss to Lewis Ritson on Oct. 17 in England, but the 33-year-old Mexican is making something out of that showing, signing a deal with MTK Global in the aftermath.
Now campaigning at 140 pounds, Vazquez (42-10, 16 KO) is just 7-5 since his move up in weight in 2016, but two of those losses have been highly controversial at the very least, and both took place in the United Kingdom; along with the Ritson fight last weekend, he also arguably should have beaten Ohara Davies in June 2019.
While he may be fighting a bit heavier than is optimal for him these days, and he’s certainly past his real peak years, he remains a crafty, tricky, smart veteran who can expose the limitations of good but ordinary fighters. This means he’s got some value, and MTK obviously see that.
“I’m happy that people are recognizing my talent and style and that I’m getting support from different corners from the world,” Vazquez said. “I had a rough start in my career but have been quite solid through it, and that people recognize this hard work is very fulfilling for me.
“It’s an honor to be working with a company that manages such big names. It is huge motivation for me to work even harder and put my name among the elite fighters in the division and sport. I know that MTK Global will give me good fights and I know they will give the opportunities that I need.”
“It’s a pleasure to welcome a fighter of Miguel’s pedigree to the team,” said MTK CSO Paul Gibson. “He’s been operating at the highest level for more than a decade and UK fans know him well from recent battles with MTK trio Josh Taylor, Ohara Davies and Lewis Ritson. Luck hasn’t always been on Miguel’s side but he remains as determined as ever to become a two-time world champion and our job now is to help him reach that goal.”
The move to MTK means that Vazquez should have an easier time consistently getting opportunities. His not exactly fan friendly styled combined with him really getting the better of Ritson last weekend might easily have spooked a lot of people from wanting to fight him at all, but this should help him get decent fights. At the very least, he’ll have his chances to get in there.