Former three-time super bantamweight world champion Israel Vazquez has died aged 46 after a short battle with cancer, Afrosport reports.
It was announced in November that Vazquez, nicknamed “the Magnifico”, had been diagnosed with stage 4 sarcoma, with the World Boxing Council (WBC) opening a GoFundMe account to help the Mexican crowdfund for his treatment.
Vazquez, whose passing was announced on Tuesday by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman on social media, made his professional debut in 1995 at the age of 17, winning his first nine fights before suffering the first defeat of his career in his tenth outing.
“Israel Vazquez is finally resting in peace. May God give strength and support to his wife, Laura, their children, family, and friends during these difficult times,” the WBC president wrote.
“Thank, you Israel for the so many great memories that you have given us through your actions inside the ring but most importantly outside of it. You are now eternal; rest in peace; everything will be all right.”
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Israel Vázquez.
The Mexican warrior bravely fought cancer but passed away just three weeks shy of his 47th birthday.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, champ. pic.twitter.com/9r7P2WLbnU
— Boxing News (@BoxingNewsED) December 3, 2024
Vazquez held the IBF (International Boxing Federation) super-bantamweight world title from 2004 to 2005, as well as the WBC and The Ring titles from 2005 to 2008.
The Mexican was mostly remembered for his famous four bouts against compatriot Rafael Marquez, with the pair winning two fights apiece between 2007 and 2010.
Vazquez had his last professional bout in 2010, after losing to Marquez via third-round knockout. He finished with a record of 44 wins and five defeats with 32 knockouts.
