Tributes have been pouring in for boxing star Israel Vazquez, who has tragically passed away, aged 46, following a battle with cancer.
Vazquez, a three-time super-bantamweight world champion held the IBF title from 2004 to 2005.
He had also held the WBC and The Ring titles between 2005 and 2008, having amassed a fight record of 44-5-0 during his distinguished career, that included 32 knockouts.
He is most famous for his series of fights against fellow Mexican Rafael Marquez, with Vazquez, also known as ‘Magnifico’ retiring from the sport in May, 2010, following his fourth and final bout against Marquez.
In November, it was revealed that Vazquez, who was born in Mexico City, had heartbreakingly been diagnosed with cancer.
On Tuesday, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed the sad news that Vazquez had tragically passed away.
Sulaiman posted a picture of him posing with Vazquez on X after the boxer had won his WBC title, captioning the image: ‘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.’
He also added in a second post: ‘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 also thanked the Mexican boxer in Spanish before writing: ‘You will always be magnificent.’
Australian boxer, Billy Dib, was another who paid tribute to Vazquez. Dib was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Burkitt lymphoma in 2022 and been declared cancer-free in 2023.
‘Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Israel Vázquez after his courageous battle with cancer,’ Dib wrote on X.
‘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. May he rest in peace.’
Vazquez professional debut came when he was just 17 years old. He enjoyed a hugely successful start to his pro career, stopping his first nine opponents before being bested by Ulises Flores.
He bounced back from that loss to go on an 11-fight winning streak, cementing himself as one of boxing’s most promising young stars of the 90s.
He would clinch his first title in 2004, beating Jose Luis Valbuena via a technical knockout to win the vacant IBF Super Bantamweight belt.
Aussie boxing star George Kambosos Jr has also paid tribute to Vazquez online.
‘RIP legend,’ he wrote. ‘Was an honour to have met you, absolute warrior of the game. My condolences to his family and friends.’
More to follow…
