Tributes have been pouring in for boxing star Israel Vázquez, who tragically passed away, aged 46, after a battle with cancer.
Vázquez, a three-time super bantamweight world champion, held the IBF title from 2004 to 2005.
He 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, which included 32 knockouts.
He is most famous for his series of fights against fellow Mexican Rafael Márquez, and Vázquez, also known as ‘Magnifico’, retired from the sport in May 2010, following his fourth and final fight against Márquez.
In November, it was revealed that Vázquez, who was born in Mexico City, had been heartbreakingly diagnosed with cancer.
On Tuesday, WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán confirmed the sad news that Vázquez had tragically passed away.
Sulaimán posted a photo of him posing with Vázquez in X after the boxer won his WBC title, captioning the image: ‘Thank you Israel for so many good memories that you have given us through your actions inside the ring but, most importantly, outside of it.
‘Now you are eternal, rest in peace, everything will be fine.’
He also added in a second post: ‘Israel Vázquez finally rests in peace. May God give strength and support to his wife Laura, his children, family and friends during these difficult times.’
Sulaimán also thanked the Mexican boxer in Spanish before writing: ‘You will always be magnificent.’
Australian boxer Billy Dib was another who paid tribute to Vázquez. Dib was diagnosed with Burkitt non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2022 and was declared cancer-free in 2023.
“Heartbroken to learn of the passing of Israel Vázquez after his brave battle against cancer,” Dib wrote in X.
‘He was not only a champion but also a true warrior in and out of the ring. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and all those who admired him. Rest in peace.’
Vázquez’s professional debut came when he was just 17 years old. He enjoyed a hugely successful start to his professional career, stopping his first nine opponents before being outclassed by Ulises Flores.
He bounced back from that loss to go on a streak of 11 consecutive victories, establishing himself as one of boxing’s most promising young stars of the ’90s.
He would capture his first title in 2004, defeating José Luis Valbuena by technical knockout to win the vacant IBF super bantamweight belt.
Australian boxing star George Kambosos Jr also paid tribute to Vazquez online.
“RIP legend,” he wrote. ‘It was an honor to have met you, absolute warrior of the game. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.’
More to follow…