Three-time super bantamweight champion Israel Vazquez, perhaps best known for his epic wars against fellow Mexican pugilist Rafael Marquez, died on Tuesday after battling cancer.
“Magnifico” was just 46 years old.
“Israel Vazquez is finally resting in peace,” WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman wrote on Twitter. “May God give strength and support to his wife Laura, their children, family and friends during these difficult times. 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 alright.”
Vazquez finished with a 44-5 record with 32 knockouts.
The former champ is survived by his wife Laura, sons Israel Jr. and Anthony, daughter Zoe, as well as his parents and sister. His battle with cancer was first revealed in a GoFundMe post back in early November.
“Israel, my friend, may you rest in peace now,” former trainer, Freddie Roach, shared on social media. “My condolences to the Vázquez family and to all those who called Israel their friend.”
