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Israel Vázquez (44-5, 32 KOs), a three-time junior featherweight world champion from Mexico, has passed away at 46 after battling cancer, WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán announced.

Renowned for his punching power and hand speed, Vázquez had a storied rivalry with compatriot Rafael Márquez, facing him four times between 2007 and 2010. Their second and third bouts were awarded Fight of the Year. Vázquez won two of their four clashes, including a dramatic sixth-round knockout in their 2007 rematch to reclaim the WBC title.

Vázquez’s career highlights include winning the IBF super bantamweight title in 2004 and the WBC belt in 2005. However, a detached retina from his battles ultimately cost him his right eye after retiring in 2010. Despite these challenges, Vázquez remains celebrated as one of Mexico’s greatest boxers.

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