Mexican boxer Israel Vázquez, three-time super bantamweight world champion, died of cancer at the age of 46.
He suffered from “devastating” cancer. Former Mexican boxer Israel Vázquez died at the age of 46, the president of the WBC international federation announced Tuesday, December 3.
“Israel Vázquez finally rests in peace. (…) You will always be El Magnífico,” wrote Mauricio Sulaimán in a message published on X. “Thank you Israel for the many memories you left us through your actions in the ring , but above all outside You are now eternal, rest in peace, everything will be fine,” he added.
His illness revealed in November
A figure in boxing in the 2000s, Israel Vázquez was several times world super bantamweight champion (54-55 kg). He won the IBF belt from 2004 to 2005 and the WBC over the periods 2005-2007 and 2007-2008. His record shows 44 victories (32 by KO) and 5 defeats (4 by KO) from 1995 to 2010.
His career ended in May 2010 after a series of fights against his compatriot Rafael Márquez (2-2), also world super bantamweight champion.
At the beginning of November, Mauricio Sulaimán reported on the illness that Israel Vázquez was facing. An online fundraiser had been opened to help finance his care and bring his family from Mexico. “Show this humble and courageous warrior what he means to you,” he said. More than 44,000 dollars (41,800 euros) were raised for “Le Magnifique”.
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