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

By Stephanie Weaver
Published  December 3, 2024 1:23pm EST
Sports
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The Brief

    • Israel Vázquez, a Mexican boxer and three-time bantamweight world champion, passed away at 46.
    • The boxer nicknamed "El Magnifico" revealed last month he had sarcoma, a cancer.
    • Known for his fierce rivalry with Rafael Márquez, their four-fight series earned multiple "Fight of the Year" awards.

MEXICO CITY - Israel Vázquez, the Mexican fighter known as ‘El Magnifico’ who won three bantamweight world titles, has died. He was 46 years old. 

World Boxing Council (WBC) president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed his death on Tuesday. 

"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 said on the social media platform X. "Thanks champion for leaving a special footprint. You will always be 'El Magnifico.'"

Last month, the boxer revealed he sarcoma, a cancer. The WBC set up a GoFundMe campaign to support Vazquez after his diagnosis was revealed. More than $44,000 was raised. 

Israel Vazquez celebrates after defeating Jhonny Gonzalez of Mexico after their WBC super bantamweight titile fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 16, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Vázquez debuted in 1995 and will be most remembered for his rivalry and four fights against countryman Rafael Márquez from 2007-2010. They split the series, and the 2007 and 2008 duels received fight of the year awards.

After winning in 2008, Vázquez suffered a detached retina and eventually lost his right eye after his retirement. He stopped fighting in May 2010 after the fourth fight against Marquez, who won by a knockout.

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Vázquez won the vacant IBF super bantmanweight title in 2004 against Jose Luis Valbuena and successfully defended it twice. Then he took the WBC belt from titleholder Oscar Larios with a third-round stoppage in 2005.

Vázquez won their third bout in early 2008 by a split decision after being knocked down himself. But the eye injury meant he didn't fight for the rest of the year and was stripped of the WBC title.

After three surgeries, he was cleared to fight and fought Márquez a fourth time in Los Angeles and suffered a third-round knockout. Vázquez finished with a record of 44-5, with 32 knockouts.

The Source

  • The Associated Press, TMZ contributed to this story. This story was reported from Los Angeles.