Remembering a True Champion – Israel Vazquez

Boxing lost a friend and heaven gained a champion.

Sad news in the world of boxing today with the passing of Mexico’s 3-time super bantamweight warrior Israel Vazquez. He was as nice a guy out of the ring as he was ferocious in it. 

Vasquez, survived by his wife and children, was 46. 

He had recently revealed that he was battling cancer and was facing his medical struggle with the same determination with which he faced all of his opponents in an outstanding career. 

Vazquez, (44-5, 32 KO’s), was a pro by his late teens and was in many significant bouts throughout his career.

He will probably be best remembered for his trilogy of slugfests with fellow Mexican Rafael Marquez. 

Vazquez turned pro in 1995 and by the time he retired 15 years later he had names like Jhonny Gonzalez, Oscar Larios and Ivan Hernandez, among others, on his resume.

The announcement of his passing has brought endless tributes on social media as people remember one of boxing’s truly great warriors. 

Top Rank Boxing, as it has quietly done numerous times over the years for many fighters, was raising funds for the former champion. 

Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach was quoted as calling him “one of the best I ever had the privilege of working with.”

A recent social media post by Hall of Famer Teddy Atlas said (referring to a posted picture of the champion)

“You don’t need to go to Webster’s Dictionary for a definition of what a fighter is and should be. It’s right here. Israel Vazquez. God Bless”. 

Rest in peace, champion. Thank you for the memories. 

Gone but never forgotten.