Israel Vázquez, dogged three-time world champion from Mexico, dies aged 46

Israel Vázquez, one of Mexico’s most celebrated boxers and a three-time super bantamweight world champion, has died aged 46.

The Mexico City native passed away after being diagnosed with cancer, the World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed on Tuesday.

Vázquez, whose aggressive, crowd-pleasing style earned him the nickname Magnifico, was best known for his epic tetralogy with fellow Mexican Rafael Márquez. The two fighters faced off four times between 2007 and 2010 in what became one of boxing’s most brutal and thrilling rivalries.

Their third encounter, staged in Carson, California, in March 2008, was declared the Ring magazine’s fight of the year with the fourth round being named the round of the year. Vázquez showed extraordinary skill, heart and resilience in rallying for a split-decision win after suffering a fourth-round knockdown.

The bloody four-fight series featured razor-thin margins, relentless exchanges and career-defining moments for both men. Márquez won the first (RTD 7) and fourth (KO 3) meetings, while Vázquez took the second (TKO 6) and third (SD 12).

A series of injuries, including a detached retina, ultimately forced his retirement in 2010 with a professional record of 44 wins (with 32 by knockout) and five defeats in 49 fights.

“Thank you champion for leaving such a special mark,” Sulaiman wrote in Spanish. “You will always be Magnifico.”

Venerable trainer Freddie Roach called Vázquez “one of the best boxers I ever had the privilege of working with” in a statement to BoxingScene.

“RIP legend,” added George Kambosos, the former unified lightweight champion. “Was an honour to have met you, absolute warrior of the game.”

Billy Dib, the former IBF featherweight champion from Australia who overcame his own stomach cancer diagnosis last year, was among the boxing luminaries to pay tribute.

“Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Israel Vázquez after his courageous battle with cancer,” Dib wrote. “He was not only a champion but also a true warrior in and out of the ring. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who admired him.”