Israel Vázquez, 3-time boxing world champion, dies at 46

Three-time super bantamweight boxing world champion Israel Vázquez has died at 46, World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed Tuesday.

Vázquez had been diagnosed with cancer, according to the WBC, which last month organized an online fundraiser to contribute to the cost of his medical care.

“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,” Sulaiman wrote in a post to X on Tuesday. He added that Vázquez will always be “el Magnífico,” a nod to the boxer’s nickname, which translates to “the Magnificent.”

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. Gracias campeón por dejar una huella tan especial. Siempre serás el Magnífico

— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) December 3, 2024

One of Mexico’s greatest boxers, Vázquez rose to prominence in the early 2000s and was best known for his rivalry with compatriot Rafael Márquez. The boxers faced off in four title fights from 2007 to 2010, splitting their bouts 2-2. After retiring from their first fight in March 2007 because of breathing problems due to a broken nose, Vázquez avenged his loss to Márquez five months later. He recorded a TKO against Márquez in the sixth round to reclaim his super bantamweight title and defended the title in March 2008 with a split-decision triumph.

The split-decision win came at a cost; Vázquez suffered a detached retina, which kept him out of the ring for 19 months. After undergoing three surgeries, Vázquez returned with a victory over Angel Antonio Priolo via knockout in October 2009, setting up one more rematch with Márquez. This time, Márquez knocked Vázquez out in the third round to win the WBC silver featherweight belt. It was the final bout of Vázquez’s career.

Over 49 total fights, Vázquez recorded 44 wins (32 via knockout) and five losses.

(Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images)