Israel Vazquez-Always Magnifico
Three times super-bantamweight champion of the World Israel Vazquez has departed this World leaving us with an array of precious indelible memories, crystallizing his fierce determination and will to win in the ring, ameliorated by his gentle and compassionate kindness to his fellow human beings outside of it.
As long as there`s Boxing, ”Magnifico” will forever be remembered for his four epic fights against Rafael Marquez. Destiny and their extraordinary skills deemed they shared two victories each. Friends outside business hours, they were fierce rivals in the ring, after the bell tolled. No quarter asked, none ever given…ever! Two Mexicans determined to be the best and it brought out the very finest. But those Classics resulted in broken noses cuts, bumps and welts, before they embraced after each marathon. Israel had to undergo retina surgery three times.
Israel debuted in the pro ranks aged just seventeen. His career spanned 1995-2010. His magnifico record was 44-5, 32 KO`s. He packed it in and viz the fans, he packed them in!
The WBC and DAZN are combining to produce the quartet of bouts for the fans to enjoy all over again. A weeklong bonanza. The WBC has been leading efforts to raise funds for Israel`s family. He died aged just forty six from cancer. Some fights can`t be won. Rather, it`s the way in which they are fought which makes them so memorable, admirable and totally humbling. The tears then flow.
A frequent visitor to the WBC`s Los Angeles Office, Israel was beloved as a gentleman and a gentle man. He will be missed beyond words. World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman said: ”Thank you Israel for the many great memories you have given us in the ring, but mostly outside it. You are now Eternal. Rest in peace. Everything will be all right.”
Freddie Roach paid tribute to a friend and an All Time Great, saying: ”Always a World Champion an a legend in Boxing. One of the very best I had the privilege to work with. Israel my Friend, rest in peace.”
Billy Dib who survived cancer said: ”Heartbroken. He`s not only a champion but a true warrior inside and outside of the ring.”
Sometimes we fight with all of our might, but we can`t win and the lights grow dim. So we walk towards the light.
Related posts
test