‘El Magnifico’, Former World Champion Israel Vazquez, Dies at 46
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
* Photo courtesy legacy.com
Mexico City, Mexico (December 12th, 2024)– Best known for his four rubber matches with Rafael Marquez, Israel ‘El Magnifico’ Vazquez, the Freddie Roach trained former World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation World Super Bantamweight champion, died at age 46 on December 2, 2024, in Mexico City, Mexico, after battling health issues.
Vazquez, 44-5 with 32 knockouts, fought between 1995 and 2010. His battles with Hall of Fame boxer Marquez in 2007 and 2008 were the Ring Magazine Fights of the Year those years.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman remembered Vazquez in a statement on Social Media. “Thank you Israel for so many great memories you have given us through your actions inside the ring, but most importantly outside of it. You are now eternal, rest in peace, everything will be alright.”
Former trainer Freddie Roach stated “Forever a world champion and legend in boxing. One of the best boxers I have had the privilege of working with (Vazquez), a world champion. Israel, my friend, may you rest in peace now. My condolences to the Vazquez family, and to all who called Israel their friend.”
Rafael Marquez, the brother of world champion, Juan Manuel Marquez, broke the nose of Vazquez in their first meeting in 2007 to capture the WBC Super Bantamweight title and Ring Magazine super bantamweight lineal title at 122 pounds via seventh-round stoppage, despite Vazquez scoring a knockdown in the third round. In their second and third meetings over the next year, Vazquez won their second meeting by sixth round stoppage, and their third meeting by 12 round via split decision after rising from a knockdown. Their first three meetings were true all-time Mexican boxing classics in the pre-Canelo Alvarez era which left both fighters physically beaten down, as neither of them was ever the same fighter again after taking each other on in three consecutive dramatic boxing duels in the span of less than 12 mothns between March 2007 and March 2008.
Despite eye problems caused by a detached retina suffered in the third Marquez fight in March 2008 which caused Vazquez to lose his World Boxing Council Super Bantamweight title, and incur lost ring time for eye surgery and recovery. Vazquez returned to the ring twice more in Los Angeles, knocking out 30 wins fighter Angel Antonio Priolo in the ninth round in October 2009. Vazquez got knocked out in the third round by Marquez in their rivalry inspired unnecessary fourth meeting in May 2010, ending his career for good.
Vazquez also fought fellow Mexican Oscar Lario three times, winning by first round TKO in the first bout, losing by twelfth round stoppage, in the second bout, and then knocking out Larios in the third round of their 2005 trilogy bout to capture the WBC and Ring Magazine Junior Featherweight titles.
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