Thursday, July 10, 2025

Mexican boxing legend Israel ‘Magnífico’ Vázquez dies at 46

Legendary Mexican boxer Israel “Magnífico” Vázquez lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 46.

World Boxing Council (WBC) president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed Vázquez’s death, paying tribute to the pugilist in a social media post: “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,” he wrote. “You are now eternal, rest in peace.”

“Magnífico” was known for his punching power and hand speed, according to ESPN.
“Magnífico” was known for his punching power and hand speed, according to ESPN. (Israel Vázquez/Facebook)

Vázquez, a native of the Mexico City borough of Azcapotzalco, began his boxing career in 1995 at 18 years of age. He compiled a 44-5 record with 32 wins by knock-out.

According to the sports network ESPN, “Magnífico” was “[k]nown for his punching power and hand speed,” describing Vázquez as “one of Mexico’s most celebrated boxers.” 

Vázquez had been diagnosed with stage 4 sarcoma in early November. Shortly after, Sulaiman had set up a GoFundMe site calling on boxing fans to show love for Vázquez. The WBC president also hosted a Mike Tyson-Jake Paul watch party fundraiser last month, which raised more than US $10,000 for the boxer.

Freddie Roach, widely regarded as one of the best boxing trainers of all time, also offered his condolences: “Always a world champion and a legend in boxing. One of the best boxers I have had the privilege to work with, a world champion. … My condolences to the Vázquez family and to all those who called Israel their friend.”

Israel Vázquez with President Claudia Sheinbaum during a 2023 visit to Los Angeles, California.
Israel Vázquez with President Claudia Sheinbaum during a 2023 visit to Los Angeles, California. (Israel Vázquez/Facebook)

Vázquez held the International Boxing Federation world championship in the super bantamweight division from March 2004 to May 2005 and won the WBC super bantamweight title on two occasions, holding the belt from December 2005-March 2007 and again from August 2007-March 2008. 

Vázquez is fondly remembered for his fantastic ring rivalry with fellow Mexican Rafael Márquez. The boxing pair met four times, splitting the series 2-2. 

Their first three fights are recognized as modern-day classics and are being rebroadcast as a trilogy this week by DAZN, co-sponsored by the WBC.

With reports from El Universal, ESPN, Marca and Boxing News 24/7

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
Night view of a colonial Mexican town

Travel + Leisure magazine again names San Miguel de Allende the ‘Best City in the World’

2
Mexico's colonial crown jewel — home to a sizable American community — in the state of Guanajuato was honored by Travel + Leisure for the fourth time.
A vibrant night view of Guanajuato, Mexico, featuring a grand, lit-up colonial church with a prominent dome and two spires in the foreground, set against a backdrop of tightly packed, multi-colored houses climbing the hills under a twilight sky.

How an early riser survives in Mexico’s late-night culture

0
Writer Louisa Rogers reflects on the adjustments she's made as an early-to-bed, early-to-rise foreigner living in Mexico, a country full of night owls.

What’s on in San Miguel de Allende in July?

0
Celebrate Jesus, the blues and a postmodernist poet as San Miguel de Allende prepares for a busy month of July.
BETA Version - Powered by Perplexity