Mexico and the world of boxing are mourning the loss of Israel ‘Magnifico’ Vazquez, who has died at the age of 46 from cancer that had been diagnosed as stage 4 sarcoma. The sad and painful news was announced by Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the World Boxing Council, in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The death of the former WBC super bantamweight world champion came just under a month after he went public with his illness and it became known that he was battling cancer. This news not only alerted all boxing fans, but also Sulaiman and the World Boxing Council, the organization he heads, sought by all means economic and moral help so that the former champion could overcome the disease.
At the time of revealing the condition of the legendary former champion, his wife Laura Vazquez was very blunt in revealing the condition of her husband in the Los Angeles Times. “He can hardly speak and, when he does, he is short of breath. He is very weak,” she said at the time.
It was at this point that Sulaiman encouraged the creation of a GoFundMe account called “Support Israel Magnifico Vazquez against cancer”. The family said it had raised $44,000 until this fateful Tuesday morning.
“Israel Vazquez is finally resting in peace,” Sulaiman wrote on his X account. “May God give strength to his wife Laura, his children, family and friends during these difficult times. Thank you champion for leaving such a special mark. You will always be the Magnificent.”
Vazquez died in Los Angeles, the city where he had arrived to settle in his boxing career and the one he chose to live with his family once he had retired. The Mexico City-born boxer’s record was 44-5 with 32 knockouts.
“Thank you, Israel, for so many great memories you gave us through your actions in the ring, but more importantly, outside of it,” Sulaiman added. “Now you are eternal, rest in peace, everything will be fine,” Sulaiman also expressed on social media, with whom Vazquez had a very good relationship.
As soon as his death became public, several personalities expressed their condolences on different social networks. The famous Freddie Roach, a former trainer of the best boxers of the modern era, said: “Always a world champion and a legend in boxing. One of the best boxers I have had the privilege to work with, a world champion. Israel, my friend, rest in peace now. My condolences to the Vazquez family and to all those who called Israel their friend.”
Billy Dib, the Australian who was IBF featherweight and IBO super featherweight world champion and survived cancer, posted: “Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Israel Vazquez after his brave battle with cancer. He was not only a champion, but also a true warrior inside and outside the ring. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and all who admired him. May he rest in peace.”
“Rest in peace Israel Magnifico Vazquez. A true Mexican fighter who fought with pure heart in every fight. Condolences to Israel’s family,” retired British boxer Kieran Farrell said.
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