Three-time super bantamweight world boxing champion Israel Vázquez has died at the age of 48, World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman announced on Tuesday (December 3).
Vázquez (44-5, 32 knockouts), a native of Mexico nicknamed 'El Magnifico, died less than a month after revealing he was diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
"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. #RIPisraelvazquez," Sulaiman wrote.
Legendary trainer Freddie Roach, who was pictured alongside Vázquez and Sulaiman in the WBC president's post, shared his own tribute following news of the boxer's death.
"Forever a world champion and legend in boxing. One of the best boxers I ever had the privilege of working with - a world champion. Israel, may you rest in peace now. Condolences to the Vázquez family and to all those who called Israel their friend. #Magnifico," Roach wrote on his X account.
Vázquez made his professional debut in 1995 and is best remembered for his four fights against fellow Mexican boxer Rafael Márquez between 2007 and 2010 in which both boxers split the series at two wins a piece, with their 2007 and 2008 bouts being named fight of year. Vázquez suffered a detached retina in 2008, which eventually led to him losing sight in his right eye after his retirement and he officially stopped fighting in May 2010 after a loss to Marquez by knockout in their fourth bout.
Vázquez won the vacant IBF super bantamweight title by defeating Jose Luis Valbuena in 2004, which he successfully defended twice, before winning the WBC super bantamweight title from Oscar Larios in 2005.