Text by Chris Robinson / Photos courtesy of Team Vasquez

Photos from the Playa del Carmen in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico, as standout amateur champion and professional flyweight prospect Damien ‘Sugar’ Vasquez moves to 3-0 with 2 knockouts following a four-round decision victory over veteran Javier Marquez.

The 16-year old Vasquez trained for the fight out of Johnny Tocco’s Boxing Gym in Las Vegas and reflected on his latest win.

“To me it was a good experience,” Vasquez claimed. “It was a lot of fun to me and it was also a learning experience.”

Doing a play-by-play in his head of his match with his 32-year old foe, Vasquez could tell instantly that Marquez wasn’t going to just roll over.

“It was good because he had the experience of [facing] ex-world champions,” said Vasquez. “And it was just a learning experience and progress going with a veteran. He came from Veracruz. Tough guy, good-chinned guy. First round it was kind of warming up, getting to know the opponent. And as the fight came on I just adjusted to him.”

Vasquez is trained by his older brother Israel, a former junior featherweight champion who was beloved by fans for his thrilling wars with Rafael Marquez.

“He doesn’t try to change my style,” Vasquez said of working under Israel. “He adds new things. He adds what he thinks can make me better.”

Expect more coverage from Vasquez’s upcoming training camp ahead of his February return.