Israel Vázquez (1977–2024), three-time world champion boxer
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2 min readIsrael Vázquez was a Mexican boxer nicknamed "El Magnifico" whose three world championships and rivalry with Rafael Márquez made him one of Mexico’s most beloved boxers.
- Died: December 2, 2024 (Who else died on December 2?)
- Details of death: Died of sarcoma, a type of cancer, at the age of 46.
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Israel Vázquez’s legacy
Four fights define Vázquez’s notable career, all of them against his chief rival, Rafael Márquez. Taking place from 2007 to 2010, the matches were split 2-2, with Vázquez retiring after the fourth match.
"El Magnifico," as Vázquez came to be called, made his professional debut at just 17 years old, fighting in the bantamweight division. After going 9-1, he began fighting in the United States as a junior featherweight, racking up 11 victories before his first loss, then going on another 12-match winning streak. He captured his first International Boxing Federation junior bantamweight world title in 2004, and twice earned World Boxing Council world titles, making him a three-time world champion.
Vázquez’s now legendary rivalry with Márquez began in 2007, when Márquez badly broke Vázquez’s nose during their first match, securing the win and the world title. Just five months later, they had a rematch. This time, Vázquez came out on top and regained his title. He won by split decision in their third bout the following year, but two years later the unofficial series was left at a tie when Márquez won by TKO.
It was Vázquez’s final fight. He retired shortly thereafter. A detached retina from a 2008 bout had impeded vision in his right eye, and he lost sight in it entirely after retirement. He was diagnosed with stage 4 sarcoma, a type of cancer, in late 2024.
Tributes to Israel Vázquez
Full obituary: ESPN
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