Within one year’s time – from March 2007 to March 2008 – Rafael Marquez engaged Israel Vazquez in three hard-hitting super bantamweight title fights, two of which were won by Vazquez

Fast forward to present day, and Marquez has lost three of his past five. It’s true, the losses were to fine fighters such as Juan Manuel Lopez (November 2010), Toshiaki Nishioka (October 2011) and most recently Cristian Mijares (October 2012). Still, Marquez – younger brother of 40-year-old phenom Juan Manuel Marquez – is 38 and it all makes many wonder if Marquez might be done.

Efrain Esquivias is not among them. He’ll take on Marquez on Saturday in the semi-main event at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio (on Showtime).

“It would mean the world to me to be Rafael Marquez,” said Esquivias, 30, of Carson. “Some people say he has lost a step, but I don’t think so. Look at his brother, Juan Manuel Marquez. These guys are built for longevity.”

Esquivias, 30, is 16-2-1 with nine knockouts. Marquez is 41-8 with 37 knockouts.