It's been an exciting few weeks for Fort Worth native Edward "Kid" Vazquez. He first signed a multiple-fight deal with Hall of Fame promoter Lou Dibella and now "The Kid" finds himself in the top 10 featherweight rankings by the IBF. It's the first time in the top 10 for Vazquez, meaning he can now be considered for a world title shot at any time. To be considered for a title fight by the IBF, you must be ranked somewhere in their top 15 and at number 10, Vazquez is comfortably in that wheelhouse. The IBF featherweight title is currently held by Luis Alberto Lopez, who captured the title in late 2022 by outpointing Josh Warrington. The number one challenger according to the sanctioning body, is Japanese KO artist Reiya Abe, the #2 spot is vacant.
Vazquez currently sports a record of 14-1 (3) and is coming off of a highly impressive points victory over Misael Lopez in February. Ahead of Vazquez in the rankings is #5 ranked featherweight Raymond Ford, who Vazquez, was robbed of a victory over last year. Ford was gifted a split decision victory in the "2022 Robbery of the Year." It is the lone blemish on the resume of Vazquez.
The Fort Worthian has had no easy path to the top that included being sidelined by a former promoter, having four fights in a row canceled during the height of the covid pandemic, and being the victim of one of the worst decisions in recent boxing history. Despite all of that, all of those distractions, Vazquez has stayed focused and gotten himself here, along with coach Ray Barrera owner of FHG Gym in Forth Worth, are now on the verge of getting a world title shot.