FILE – Israel Vázquez of Mexico after he defeated Rafael Marquez of Mexico in their WBC super bantamweight championship bout, in Carson, Calif., March. 1, 2008. The World Boxing Council (WBC) president confirmed on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, that Vázquez has died. He was 46. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
MEXICO CITY — Israel Vázquez, the Mexican fighter who won three bantamweight world titles, has died at 46.
World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman announced the death on Tuesday. Article continues after this advertisement
The boxer nicknamed “El Magnifico” revealed on Nov. 10 he had sarcoma, a cancer. FEATURED STORIES
SPORTS
Nierva does her own study of PLDT offense, leads Chery Tiggo win
SPORTS
Nesthy Petecio relishes PVL experience with long-time partner
SPORTS
PVL: Creamline denies Choco Mucho again to stay perfect
“Israel is finally resting in peace. May God provide his family with strength we extend all the support to his wife Laura, his kids, family and friends during this difficult time,” Sulaiman said on X. “Thanks champion for leaving a special footprint. You will always be ‘El Magnifico.'”
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
Vázquez debuted in 1995 and will be most remembered for his four fights against countryman Rafael Márquez from 2007-10. They split the series, and the 2007 and 2008 duels received fight of the year awards.
Article continues after this advertisement
FILE – WBC and The Ring magazine super bantamweight champion Israel Vázquez works out at the South El Monte Boxing Club, in El Monte, California, Feb. 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
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.
Article continues after this advertisement
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.
He held the WBC belt until the first meeting with Márquez, against whom he retired in the seventh round after struggling to breathe through a broken nose. In a rematch five months later, Vázquez regained the title despite cuts over both eyes, by knocking out Márquez in the sixth round.
Article continues after this advertisement
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.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
SIGN ME UP
READ NEXT
NBA: Mavericks overcome 15-point deficit, halt Grizzlies win s...
NBA: Tyrese Haliburton calls Pacers’ play ’embarra...
EDITORS' PICK
Nierva does her own study of PLDT offense, leads Chery Tiggo win
DA to sell P40/kg rice at select markets, two train stations
What your favorite song from Moira Dela Torre’s ‘I’m Okay’ says about you
West PH Sea: PCG reports more harassment by Chinese vessels in Escoda
No need to cancel S. Korea trips but Filipinos must be cautious – DFA
Filipina surrogates convicted in Cambodia recruited online – PH embassy
MOST READ
China’s PLA Navy shadows Philippine Coast Guard in West Philippine Sea
Maris Racal, Anthony Jennings’ 'betrayal' bared by ex-GF
Maris Racal, Anthony Jennings’ intimate convos spark online memes
Neri Naig ordered released by Pasay court
Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter
-->
View comments
|