Pastrana by unanimous decision. Márquez defended his title three times in 2004 with knockout victories over Peter Frissina, Heriberto Ruiz and Pastrana. Another two successful defences followed in 2005 with victories over Ricardo Vargas and Silence Mabuza. In his only fight of 2006 Márquez knocked out Mabuza in a rematch, which brought his total number of title defences to seven. It was to be his final fight at bantamweight as following this bout Márquez would step up in weight to challenge Vázquez for the IBF super bantamweight title. First fight Date: March 3, 2007 Location: Carson, California, United States Venue: Home Depot Center Referee: Raul Caiz Jr. Result: Márquez won by seventh-round retirement The first bout between Vázquez and Márquez was much anticipated in the boxing media and had been described as a "sensational action fight". Both boxers agreed with this sentiment, with Vázquez claiming that it was "going to be the fight of the year" and Márquez stating that the fight was "going to be a brawl". Although Vázquez accepted that Márquez would be the most dangerous opponent he had ever faced, he believed that as the naturally heavier man he would have the advantage. However, Márquez claimed that he felt much stronger at super bantamweight and that at this weight he would be just as powerful. As predicted, the fight turned out to be a brawl, with both boxers landing heavy punches throughout the fight. The early portion of the fight was dominated by Márquez and with his greater hand speed and combinations he was able to land an uppercut which broke Vázquez's nose in the opening round. Vázquez would make a strong comeback in the third round as he was able to knock Márquez down. Márquez rose from the canvas at the count of three, although he was on unsteady legs, he managed to see out the remainder of the round. By the end of the fifth round Vázquez's broken nose had become a major problem with Vázquez telling his cornerman Freddie Roach: "I can't continue". Despite this, the fight continued for two more fast paced rounds before Vázquez finally retired on his stool at the end of round seven claiming: "I can't anymore. I can't anymore". As a result, Márquez was announced as the winner and the new champion. Second fight Date: August 4, 2007 Location: Hidalgo, Texas, United States Venue: Dodge Arena Referee: Jose Guadalupe