Israel 'El Magnífico' Vázquez, Mexican Super Bantamweight Boxer, Dies at 46: 'Our Champ'

Mar. 15, 2025

Israel Vazquez on Aug. 14, 2021.Photo:Omar Vega/Getty

Omar Vega/Getty

Israel Vázquez, a three-time featherweight boxing world champion, has died. He was 46.World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed the athlete’s deathin a poston X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Dec. 3, weeks after the WBC announced that the prize fighter had been diagnosed with cancer.“Israel Vazquez is finally resting in peace,” Sulaiman wrote. “May God give strength and support to his wife Laura, their children, family and friends during these difficult times.”Celebrated as one of Mexico’s greatest boxers, Vázquez — a.k.a. “El Magnífico” — was known for his punching power and lightning-fast speed, as well as for four title fights against compatriot and rival Rafael Márquez that took place from 2007 to 2010,The Athleticreported.Per the outlet, after losing the first bout, Vázquez reclaimed his title five months later. A split-decision fight in 2008 came with a price — with the boxer suffering a detached retina, which sidelined him for 19 months. In what would be his last fight against Márquez and final fight as a boxer in 2010, Vázquez suffered a knock out in the third round.In a video posted on aGoFundMestarted to help with the athlete’s medical expenses, Vázquez was lauded for his grit. “Israel gave his heart for the fans, and physically, it took its toll,” the narrator of the video shared.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.In 49 total fights, Vázquez recorded 44 wins (including 32 knockouts), The Athletic reported.The boxer leaves behind his wife Laura, sons Israel Jr. and Anthony, daughter Zoe, as well as his parents, a sister and extended family members, according to the GoFundMe.His loved ones and fans are now mourning the man whose epic battles in the ring inspired the world beyond it. “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," Sulaiman said. “You are now eternal, rest in peace, everything will be all right."“Our Champ went in peace,” GoFundMe organizer Jill Diamond Chastain wrote. “A man of great compassion and humility, it is not a coincidence he left us on Giving Tuesday.”

Israel Vázquez, a three-time featherweight boxing world champion, has died. He was 46.

World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed the athlete’s deathin a poston X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Dec. 3, weeks after the WBC announced that the prize fighter had been diagnosed with cancer.

“Israel Vazquez is finally resting in peace,” Sulaiman wrote. “May God give strength and support to his wife Laura, their children, family and friends during these difficult times.”

Celebrated as one of Mexico’s greatest boxers, Vázquez — a.k.a. “El Magnífico” — was known for his punching power and lightning-fast speed, as well as for four title fights against compatriot and rival Rafael Márquez that took place from 2007 to 2010,The Athleticreported.

Per the outlet, after losing the first bout, Vázquez reclaimed his title five months later. A split-decision fight in 2008 came with a price — with the boxer suffering a detached retina, which sidelined him for 19 months. In what would be his last fight against Márquez and final fight as a boxer in 2010, Vázquez suffered a knock out in the third round.

In a video posted on aGoFundMestarted to help with the athlete’s medical expenses, Vázquez was lauded for his grit. “Israel gave his heart for the fans, and physically, it took its toll,” the narrator of the video shared.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

In 49 total fights, Vázquez recorded 44 wins (including 32 knockouts), The Athletic reported.

The boxer leaves behind his wife Laura, sons Israel Jr. and Anthony, daughter Zoe, as well as his parents, a sister and extended family members, according to the GoFundMe.

His loved ones and fans are now mourning the man whose epic battles in the ring inspired the world beyond it. “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,” Sulaiman said. “You are now eternal, rest in peace, everything will be all right.”

“Our Champ went in peace,” GoFundMe organizer Jill Diamond Chastain wrote. “A man of great compassion and humility, it is not a coincidence he left us on Giving Tuesday.”

source: people.com