FORMER boxing champion Israel Vazquez has tragically passed away aged 46.
The former three-time super-bantamweight champion was recently diagnosed with stage four sarcoma.
But ‘El Magnifico’ has tragically lost his brief battle with the disease.
His passing was announced by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman.
He wrote on X “Israel Vazquez is finally resting in peace.
“May God give strength and support to his wife, Laura, their children, family, and friends during these difficult times.”
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Vazquez’s illness left him incredibly weak and barely able to speak.
His wife Laura told the Los Angeles Times: “He can hardly speak and, when he does, he is short of breath. He is very weak.”
Vazquez and his family were given a grim diagnosis after the severity of his cancer was revealed but Laura refused to give up hope.
She said: “We were told he would have six months to live, but I’m not going to give up.
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“We’re going to get a second opinion. We know there’s still hope.”
Tributes for the late Vazquez began to pour in after news of his passing spread on social media.
Former world champ Billy Dib wrote: “Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Israel Vázquez after his courageous battle with cancer.
“He was not only a champion but also a true warrior in and out of the ring.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who admired him. May he rest in peace.”
One boxing fan wrote: “Rest in peace Israel ‘Magnifico’ Vazquez a true Mexican fighter who fought with pure heart every fight.
“Condolences to Israel family.”
Another said: “The Mexican idol encapsulated the famous Mexican fighting spirit.”
And another said: “That’s such terrible news about Israel Vazquez.
“A true warrior in and out of the ring.
“He had one of the best rivalries in boxing history and the 3rd fight with Marquez is one of the best fights of this century.
“And a top 10 super bantamweight ever. Rest in peace, champ.”
Marquez reached the pinnacle of the sport in the 39th professional fight in March 2004, in which he stopped Jose Luis Valbuena in the 12th round to claim the vacant IBF super-bantamweight crown.
He would go on to win the WBC and Ring Magazine 122lbs straps a year later with a stunning third-round stoppage of Oscar Larios.
He’d defend the belts twice before losing them in the first of his four bouts with Rafael Marquez in March 2007.
He’d exact his revenge four months later with a sixth-round TKO victory and defend them the following March courtesy of a hard-fought split decision.
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Marquez, however, would level their series two years later with a third-round knockout in May 2010.
The defeat to Marquez would prove to be the final bout of a legendary career for the Mexico City mauler.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
