Three-time world super bantamweight boxing champion Israel Vazquez has died of cancer at the age of 46.
His death was announced early Tuesday morning by World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman.
“Israel 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 on social media. “Thank you champion for leaving such a special mark. You will always be “El Magnifico”.
Coach Freddie Roach mourned Vazquez on Instagram.
“Forever world champion and boxing legend. One of the best boxers I have ever had the privilege to work with,” Roached captioned a photo of them after Vazquez won the WBC title. “Israel, my friend, may you rest in peace now. »
Vazquez revealed last month that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 sarcoma and was receiving treatment in Los Angeles.
“He can barely speak and when he does he is out of breath. He’s very weak,” his wife, Laura Vazquez, told the LA Times in early November.
A famous Mexican fighter who combined devastating punches and speed, Vazquez was best known for his rivalry with Rafael Marquez. The two men faced each other in four title fights, which they split. In their third fight, in 2008, Vazquez won despite a detached retina that kept him out of the ring for more than a year and a half.
He managed to make a comeback, but lost to Marquez in what turned out to be Vazquez’s final fight.
Vazquez was 44-5 in his career, with 32 knockouts.
He is survived by his wife Laura, his sons Israel Jr. and Anthony, his daughter Zoe, his parents and his sister.
