FORMER three-time super bantamweight world champion Israel Vasquez has died at the age of 46. In early November, it was announced that Vasquez was facing the biggest battle of his life, with stage four sarcoma, a malignant cancer tumor. Fundraising was in place, but it was the last fight the Mexican warrior failed to win. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman posted the following message on Twitter:
Thank you Israel for so many great memories you have given us through your actions inside the ring, but most importantly outside of it. You are eternal now, rest in peace, everything will be fine. pic.twitter.com/Aa91vKT6cP
— Mauricio Sulaiman (@vbcmoro) December 3, 2024
Vasquez’s health concerns plagued him after he retired from the ring. In 2016, Vazquez had his right eye removed, a reference to his difficult in-ring career, followed by an oversight by his doctor and himself, which exacerbated the problems.
Nicknamed ‘Magnifico’, Vasquez hung up his gloves in 2010 after a third-round loss to generational rival Rafael Marquez. While that fourth installment was a sad spectacle, their previous streak of back-to-back fights is recognized as one of the greatest trilogies of all time. The punishment of the final quartet of battles took a heavy toll on both of them.
Born in Mexico City, Vasquez turned pro in 1995 and later settled in California. He endured two epic bouts with Oscar Larios, losing the first by stoppage in the last round, before getting revenge in the third round of their rematch. Stopping Johnny Gonzalez in 2006 was also a highlight. Israel went 44-5 (32 KOs).
Everyone at Boxing News would like to extend their deepest condolences and sympathies to Vasquez’s family and friends.