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Three-time world champion Israel Vazquez dies at 46

Israel Vazquez, Mexico’s three-time super bantamweight world champion, has died from cancer at age 46, World Boxing Council (WBC) president Mauricio Sulaiman said Tuesday.

“Israel is finally resting in peace. May God give strength and support to his wife Laura, their children, family and friends during these difficult times,” Sulaiman wrote on social media. 

“Thank you champion for leaving such a special mark. You will always be ‘El Magnifico.'”

Vazquez, who had a fearsome combination of hand speed and punching power, made his pro debut in 1995, launching a career that would be highlighted by a four-fight rivalry with compatriot Rafael Marquez, in which each claimed two victories

Their bouts in 2007 and 2008 were named fights of the year, but after his victory in 2008 Vazquez was diagnosed with a detached retina that kept him out of the ring for more than a year.

Marquez’s knockout victory in their fourth fight in 2010 would be Vazquez’s last bout.

Vazquez, who revealed last month he was battling sarcoma, finished his career with a record of 44-5 with 32 knockouts.

“Forever a world champion and legend in boxing,” trainer Freddie Roach said in an Instagram post mourning Vazquez. “One of the best boxers I ever had the privilege of working with.”

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