Boxing legend Israel Vázquez, who won three world championships in the super bantamweight division, passed away on 3 December 2024. He was 46 years old.
The Mexican boxing star, known as “El Magnífico,” leaves behind his wife, Laura Vázquez, and three children: Israel Vázquez Jr., Anthony, and Zoe.
Highlights
- The late boxer was a family man with a loving and supportive wife and three kids.
- Israel Vázquez’s wife, Laura, revealed that he wanted the world to remember him as he was when he was a boxer. In his last days, he didn’t accept many visitors.
- Vázquez passed away after a battle with stage 4 sarcoma, a malignant cancer. He revealed his diagnosis just a few weeks before his passing.
Mauricio Sulaiman, President of the World Boxing Council (WBC), announced the tragic news of Israel Vázquez’s passing on 3 December through a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He expressed his condolences, wishing strength and support for Vazquez’s family and loved ones.
“Israel Vázquez is finally resting in peace. May God give strength and support to his wife Laura, their children, family and friends during these difficult times.”
Mauricio Sulaiman
Vázquez, aka “El Magnífico,” was famous for his powerful punches and incredible speed. He had a renowned rivalry with Rafael Márquez, with their four memorable bouts taking place between 2007 and 2010.
Despite losing his first fight, Vázquez reclaimed his title just five months later. In 2008, he suffered a detached retina in a split-decision fight, which sidelined him for 19 months.
The boxing legend’s fight against Márquez in 2010 ended in a third-round knockout, the last fight of his illustrious career.
A GoFundMe fundraiser created to support his medical expenses showed his grit and the physical toll boxing took on him.
Throughout his career, Vázquez participated in 49 fights, achieving 44 wins, 32 of which were knockouts.
Israel Vázquez Had Three Kids With His Wife Laura Vázquez
The boxing legend Israel Vazquez was married to his wife, Laura Vazquez. The couple shared three kids: Israel Vázquez Jr., Anthony, and Zoe.
While the details about the timeline of the late boxer and his spouse’s marriage are unknown, one thing is clear: Laura has been a rock through his rough patches.
The boxing world is mourning the loss of Israel Vazquez, who today passed away after his battle with cancer.
— BoxingScene.com (@boxingscene) December 3, 2024
The three-time world champion treated fans to some incredible nights over the years, including an iconic four-fight series with Rafael Marquez.
Rest in peace, champ.… pic.twitter.com/45RKOBHjRF
Vazquez had been dealing with a number of health issues for several years. Throughout these times, his family, particularly his spouse, was always by his side.
In November 2024, the boxer revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 sarcoma and was receiving treatment in Los Angeles.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in early November, the boxer’s wife revealed that Vazquez could hardly speak and was very weak.
“He can hardly speak and, when he does, he is short of breath. He is very weak.”
Laura Vázquez
Following the diagnosis, his condition didn’t improve, leading to his passing just weeks later.
During his last days, the boxer’s friends wanted to visit him, but he accepted a few requests because he wanted to be remembered as a magnificent world champion.
His wife also shared this with the Los Angeles Times, saying,
“He doesn’t want them to see him like that, he wants everyone to have the image of him as when he was a boxer.”
Laura Vázquez
The Mexican boxing star was surrounded by his family and loved ones during his last moments.
Following his passing, tributes poured in. Trainer Freddie Roach mourned Vazquez on Instagram.
Roach captioned a photo of them after Vazquez won the WBC title,
“Forever a world champion and legend in boxing. One of the best boxers I ever had the privilege of working with”
GoFundMe organizer Jill Diamond Chastain wrote,
“Our Champ went in peace. A man of great compassion and humility, it is not a coincidence he left us on Giving Tuesday,”
Additional Information
- The celebrated Mexican boxer was born on Christmas day in 1977 in Mexico City.
- While exact figures on his net worth are not readily available, it is known that his successful boxing career, which included multiple world titles and high-profile fights, likely contributed significantly to his earnings.
- The boxer is also survived by his parents and a sister.
