Boxing champion Israel Vazquez (44-5 with 32 KOs) was honored today with a memorial mass at the St. Mathias Catholic Church in Huntington Park, Calif.
The prizefighter passed away on December 3 after battling cancer. His family, friends, and boxing associates all gathered to pay tribute to the beloved boxer hailing from Mexico City. The champ would’ve turned 47 on Christmas Day. Israel is survived by his beautiful wife Laura and their children Israel Jr., Anthony and Zoe.
I first met Israel many years ago right after his second fight versus Rafael Marquez. The fighter nicknamed “El Magnifico” scored wins over Jhonny Gonzalez and Oscar Larios before meeting his arch rival Rafael Marquez. This all-action duo met four times in the ring but it was their brutal first three fights that made history. They really left it all in the ring for our enjoyment of watching two gladiators go to war. I was fortunate to see their third fight in person and was also there to watch his fourth and final match against Marquez. Israel was a true blood-and-guts warrior. If you never got the chance to see him fight live in person, just Google the Vazquez vs. Marquez trilogy. It’s unbelievable what these two men went through to achieve victory.
After he retired from the ring, he had his own gym and trained amateur and pro fighters. He became a fight commentator and was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. Israel was also known as a devoted husband and father and a friend to so many.
And today, his boxing family came out to pay tribute to this three-time world titleholder. Friendly and kind with a great sense of humor, Israel was a fan favorite and also an excellent ambassador at various World Boxing Council (WBC) events and award shows through the years. Always humble and amiable with everyone, the loss of this courageous boxer is a heartbreaking blow felt by those in the boxing community and beyond.
Attending the church service were former fighters, cornerman, trainers, managers, officials and WBC representatives lending support and sharing their sorrow over the loss of this boxing hero. Abner Mares, Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez, Mike Anchondo, Nancy Rodriguez, Frank Espinoza, Frankie Espinoza, Hervi Estrada, Alejandro Luna, Sam Contreras, Gene Aguilera, Steve Harpst, Juan Mercado, Panda Martinez, Ruben Lucero, Jennifer Arredondo, Krysti Rosario, Joe Serrat, Juan Antonio and more joined in the church service celebrating the life of “El Magnifico.”
The Mexican puncher had seen his share of health issues through the decades. He lost an eye due to his wars in the ring and also coped with systemic sclerosis in recent years…and then came the heartbreaking diagnosis of Stage 4 sarcoma cancer in July. The Vazquez family went public with his cancer diagnosis in November with the support of WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman making the official statement to the world.
And the boxing world was shocked by this announcement as those rallied around him by sending prayers, well wishes and hosting fundraisers to help the ailing fighter. When he died on December 3, his fans around the globe mourned for the loss of this super bantamweight star at age 46.
His fellow champ Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez traveled from Texas to attend today’s mass in person.
“He was truly the best human being; kind, humble, and a devoted family man,” Hernandez stated. “I know he’s in a good place now watching over us. Pray for me, my friend, until we meet again one day to spar together. May your soul rest in eternal peace.”
There was lots of emotion and tears as the memorial got underway. And there was a one-two punch to celebrate and honor the life of “El Magnifico.” On Sunday, December 22, there was a viewing (complete with a Mariachi band) at the funeral home in Bell, Calif. and on Monday, December 23, there was the memorial mass. Uplifted by songs and remembrances, it was a heartfelt service for the crowd. I ran into several boxing pals and associates I hadn’t seen for a while; we all said this was a very bittersweet reunion of sorts. While we were all happy to catch up with friends in the sport, it was under such very sad circumstances. If only we could turn back time.
While it is often a cliché to say “Gone Too Soon,” this sentiment rings true in the passing of Israel Vazquez. And it is definitely no cliché to say that this brave fighter and classy champ will NOT be forgotten.
Rest in Peace, Champ. We will miss you.
If you’d like to support Israel’s wife and family, you can donate here:
Photos by Michele Chong