Israel Vazquez dies: Ex-world champion had been diagnosed with cancer

Former world super-bantamweight champion Israel Vazquez has died aged 46.

It was announced in November that the Mexican, who was nicknamed ‘Magnifico’, had been diagnosed with cancer.

Vazquez held the IBF, WBC and The Ring super-bantamweight world titles in a 49-fight career that included 44 wins and five defeats.

He had a famous rivalry with compatriot Rafael Marquez, with the pair winning two fights apiece from their four bouts between 2007 and 2010.

Vazquez retired after losing their final fight.

“Thank you Israel for so many great memories that you have given us through your actions inside the ring but most importantly outside of it,” wrote WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman on social media.

“You are now eternal, rest in peace, everything will be all right.”