Israel Vazquez, one of the sport’s premier action fighters of his generation, has passed away at age 46 after a bout with cancer.

The former two-time Ring, IBF and WBC junior featherweight champion was diagnosed earlier this fall with Stage 4 Sarcoma, a rare and malignant tumor that forms in the body’s connective tissues. An immediate rally to raise funds and support for the Vazquez family was spearheaded in November by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, who revealed news of his passing Monday overnight.

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

Vazquez would have celebrated his 47th birthday on Christmas Day. Unfortunately, the legendary boxer from southern California via Mexico City saw his health rapidly deteriorate after the cancer diagnosis. As was the case throughout his memorable 15-year boxing career, he bravely fought until the end.

“Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Israel Vázquez after his courageous battle with cancer,” stated Billy Dib, a survivor of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. “He was not only a champion but also a true warrior in and out of the ring.

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

Vazquez retired in 2010 with a record of 44-5 with 32 knockouts. He twice held The Ring championship and WBC junior featherweight title. He also won the IBF 122-pound belt in 2004, to begin a memorable four-year run in the mid 2000s.

The stretch included a third-round knockout of Oscar Larios in their Dec. 2005 rubber match in Las Vegas. Vazquez went up 2-1 in their series and avenged a May 2022 12th round stoppage defeat to his countryman. He also filled a 22-year-old vacancy as the division’s first RING and lineal champion since Wilfredo Gomez abdicated the throne in 1983.

It was another three-fight set, however, which ultimately defined his incredible career.

Vazquez will forever remain intertwined with Rafael Marquez, the two combining for three Fight of the Year entries in a 52-week span.

A broken nose forced him to concede after the seventh round of their March 2007 instant classic, which saw Marquez become a two-division champion. The defeat ended Vazquez’s three-year title stay and 15-month Ring championship reign.

He reestablished both reigns just five months later, when Vazquez stopped Marquez in the sixth round of their August 2007 rematch.

Vazquez-Marquez II was rightly honored as The Ring’s 2007 Fight of the Year. It somehow paled in comparison to their unforgettable March 2008 rubber match. A late knockdown earned by Vazquez in the closing seconds of the twelfth and final round paved the way for a split decision victory in The Ring’s 2008 Fight of the Year.

It marked the final championship fight for Vazquez, who went 8-1 in major title fights and 5-1 in bouts with The Ring crown at stake. He would fight just twice more, including a May 2010 third round stoppage defeat to Marquez in the fourth and final entry of their series—though when both were well past their best years.

Vazquez’s career began in 1995 at age 17. His early year came with high accolades in his native Mexico City, but not so much on American soil. His March 1998 U.S. debut saw Vazquez rebound from a knockdown to outpoint a 2-14 fighter named Antonio Ramirez in El Cajon, California. It was enough to dissuade major promoters, including Top Rank, from signing the boxer, though not enough to dull the enthusiasm of Frank Espinoza, who served as his manager through the end of his career.

The May 2002 defeat to Larios marked a crossroads in Vazquez’s career. The first of many Fight of the Year entries for Vazquez also left the boxer unsatisfied with the direction at the time. It led to a trip to the famed Wild Card Boxing Club, where he joined forces with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach through the first Marquez fight.

“Forever a world champion and legend in boxing,” stated Roach, a longtime survivor of Parkinson’s disease. “One of the best boxers I ever had the privilege of working with – a world champion. Israel, my friend, may you rest in peace now. My condolences to the Vazquez family and to all those who called Israel their friend.”

A Hall of Fame worthy 15-year career came at a cost. Vazquez was forced to undergo six surgeries to his right eye which he eventually lost in 2016 and replaced with a prosthetic version.

Assistance was provided by the WBC, particularly from Sulaiman who forged a longtime and everlasting friendship with Vazquez.

“Thank you, Israel, for the many great memories you have given us through your actions inside the ring but most importantly outside of it,” stated Sulaiman. “You are now eternal. Rest in peace, and everything will be [alright].”