Former three-time junior featherweight world champion Israel Vazquez has passed away after a bout with cancer. The sad news was confirmed by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman on Tuesday.
The Mexican prizefighter known as “El Magnifico” announced in early November that he was suffering from a type of cancer known as sarcoma. Sarcoma attacks the connective tissues of the body, such as bones, muscles, fat, cartilage, tendons, or blood vessels.
Vazquez compiled a sterling record of 44-5 with 32 knockouts and shared an epic rivalry with compatriot Rafael Marquez, whom the former fought four times. The two Mexicans split their four fights, and two of these bouts—in 2007 and 2008—were fittingly hailed Fight of the Year.
“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 social media. “Thanks, champion, for leaving a special footprint. You will always be “El Magnifico.'”
Vazquez debuted in 1995 and won his first world title—the vacant IBF super bantamweight belt—in 2004 against Jose Luis Valbuena. He added the WBC plum a year later by beating Oscar Larios. Vazquez lost the gold in his first fight with Marquez in 2007 but won it back in the rematch five months later.
Mark Magsayo Pays Tribute, Thanks Vasquez for “Inspiring Words”
Filipino boxer Mark Magsayo, himself a former world champion, was one of those deeply saddened by Vazquez’s passing and recently took to X to pay tribute to the man with whom he shares the “Magnifico” sobriquet.
“I am deeply saddened about this. Champ Israel Magnifico thank you for all the inspiring words you told me. It is an honor for me to continue the Magnifico legacy. May your soul rest in peace champ,” Magsayo wrote in a post.
Magsayo reiterated his initial message with another post on X, where he expressed gratitude for having had “the chance to listen to [the] inspiring words of a great @WBCBoxing champion.”
Magsayo’s posts included a picture of him, Vazquez, and MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons. It was originally posted by Vazquez himself on X back in 2022.
Vazquez was 46 when he passed away.
