Former world champion Israel Vazquez has died aged 46 after a battle with cancer, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has confirmed.

The 49-year-old Mexican star, who retired in 2010, succumbed to illness three weeks before his 47th birthday, which would have been on Christmas Day. Sulaiman broke the devastating news that hit the boxing community hard.

“Israel Vazquez finally rests in peace. May God give strength and support to his wife Laura, their children, family and friends in these difficult times. Gracias campeón por dejar una huella tan special. Siempre serás el Magnífico,” Sulaiman said.

He added: “Thank you very much, Israel, for the many great memories you have given us through your actions inside the ring, but especially outside. “You are eternal now. Rest in peace and everything will be fine.”

Israel Vazquez finally rests in peace. May God give strength and support to his wife Laura, their children, their family and their friends in these difficult times. Gracias campeón por dejar una huella tan special. Siempre serás el Magnífico

— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) December 3, 2024

Vazquez will be best remembered for his entertaining fighting style and his four-fight saga with Rafael Marquez from 2007 to 2010. The two warriors each won two fights, in the last of which Vazquez was finally eliminated from the competition.

“Magnifico” captured the WBC super bantamweight crown twice after first winning the IBF version in 2004. His talent will be remembered for a long time.

Former Australian world champion Billy Dib, who recently survived a cancer diagnosis himself, was one of the first to express his condolences.

“It breaks my heart to hear of the passing of Israel Vázquez after his courageous battle with cancer. Not only was he a champion, but he was also a true warrior in and out of the ring.

“My sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends and everyone who admired him. May he rest in peace.”

Days before his death, trainer Freddie Roach urged all boxing fans to keep an eye on his rivalry with Marquez.

“Israel “Magnifico” Vazquez – one of my world champions. Israel was a warrior and still is today, fighting for his life against cancer. This trilogy with Rafael Marquez is something everyone in boxing should see if they haven’t already,” Roach explained.

WBN would like to extend our condolences to the family of Israel Vazquez at this sad time.