The boxing world is in mourning following the passing of the legendary Israel 'Magnífico' Vázquez, who died at his home in California from a stage 4 sarcoma after being diagnosed last November.
A message from the president of the World Boxing Council (WBC), Mauricio Sulaimán, confirmed Vázquez's death, who earned recognition and fame as a three-time world champion.
"Israel Vázquez is finally at peace. May God give strength to his wife Laura, his children, family, and friends during these difficult times. Thank you, champion, for leaving such a special mark. You will always be Magnífico," Sulaimán wrote on Twitter, later adding a photo of Vázquez in his championship days.
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. pic.twitter.com/Aa91vKT6cP
— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) December 3, 2024
El Magnífico's Illness
Vázquez's battle with sarcoma, a form of cancer affecting bones, muscles, or soft tissues, was difficult. His wife, Laura, shared in November the challenges he faced with walking and speaking. He had become frail and didn't want to be seen in that condition.
"He can hardly speak, and when he does, he struggles to breathe. He's very weak. He doesn't want people to see him this way; he wants them to remember him as he was when he was a fighter. He's very different now," she said.
At the time, she mentioned that with a stage 4 diagnosis, he had only six months to live, though it ended up being just a few weeks.
His family also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses, raising $44,000 of the $75,000 goal.
Israel was first diagnosed with the disease in 2018 after a routine checkup for leg pain revealed the illness, which at the time did not seem very aggressive.
Israel Vázquez's boxing career
With a career spanning over 15 years in the ring, Israel Vázquez won the hearts of boxing fans with his skill starting in 1995.
He claimed his first world title in 2004 by defeating reigning champion Óscar Larios to win the WBC title. However, it was his legendary rivalry with Rafael Márquez that truly cemented his legacy.
Between 2007 and 2008, Vázquez and Márquez fought a trilogy of matches considered to be one of the best in boxing history. Despite Márquez's victory in the first fight by technical knockout, Vázquez bounced back to defeat him in the next two bouts, both by split decision, solidifying his place at the top of the sport.
A standout in the bantamweight and super bantamweight divisions, Vázquez ended his career with a record of 44 wins, 32 by knockout, and only five losses. He retired in 2010 due to vision problems.
After his boxing career, Vázquez briefly worked as a sparring partner for another legendary fighter, Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao.
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