Israel Vázquez, one of Mexico’s world championship boxing icons, has passed away at the age of 46 after a brave battle with cancer. The Mexico City native, known for his explosive, aggressive fighting style and his immense heart in the ring, cemented his place in boxing history as a three-time super bantamweight world champion.
Vázquez’s name will forever be linked to his epic rivalry with fellow Mexican fighter Rafael Márquez, a series that became one of the most legendary in boxing history. Between 2007 and 2010, Vázquez and Márquez met four times, delivering a quartet of unforgettable bouts that defined the super bantamweight division. Their trilogy of fights, marked by relentless action and brutal exchanges, became the benchmark for intense rivalries in boxing. The third fight between the two, which took place in Carson, California, in March 2008, was named Ring Magazine’s Fight of the Year, with the fourth round being honored as Round of the Year. Vázquez showed incredible grit and skill to rally after being knocked down in the fourth round, winning the fight by split decision.
The four-fight saga between Vázquez and Márquez remains one of the most thrilling rivalries in Mexico’s world championship boxing history. Each fight was an intense battle for supremacy, with Márquez winning the first and fourth bouts (the latter by knockout in the third round) and Vázquez claiming victories in the second and third fights (TKO 6 and SD 12). Their encounters were defined by razor-thin margins, brutal exchanges, and unforgettable moments, making both fighters legends in the eyes of boxing fans worldwide.
Despite facing numerous injuries during his career, including a severe detached retina, Vázquez remained a fan favorite known for his never-say-die attitude. He officially retired from the sport in 2010 with an impressive professional record of 44 wins (32 by knockout) and 5 losses across 49 bouts. His career was marked by not just his successes in the ring, but also the sheer determination and resilience he demonstrated throughout his fights.
Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the World Boxing Council (WBC), paid tribute to Vázquez on social media, writing: “Thank you champion for leaving such a special mark. You will always be Magnifico.” The WBC, which played a key role in his rise as a world champion, expressed deep sorrow over his passing.
Tributes poured in from across the boxing world. Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, who worked with Vázquez, described him as “one of the best boxers I ever had the privilege of working with.” George Kambosos, the former unified lightweight champion, shared his respects, saying, “RIP legend. It was an honor to have met you, absolute warrior of the game.” Billy Dib, the former IBF featherweight champion from Australia who also battled cancer in the past, expressed his heartbreak, writing, “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.”
Israel Vázquez’s tragic passing leaves a void in Mexico’s world championship boxing legacy. His contributions to the sport, particularly his iconic battles with Márquez, have immortalized him as one of the greatest fighters in boxing history. Though his career was relatively short, it was filled with unforgettable moments, fierce rivalries, and a spirit that inspired countless fans and fighters alike.
The legacy of Israel Vázquez will live on as a symbol of heart, determination, and the relentless pursuit of greatness in the ring. His passing marks the end of an era, but his impact on Mexico’s world championship boxing tradition will never be forgotten.
