Former three-time junior featherweight titleholder Israel Vazquez, renowned for his four-fight saga with Rafael Marquez, has been diagnosed with cancer, according to World Boxing Council officials.
Vazquez was specifically diagnosed with sarcoma, a WBC public relations staffer told BoxingScene on Thursday. Sarcoma, a rare malignant tumor that develops in bone or connective tissue, is diagnosed in only about 15,000 cases a year in the US, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Early this week, a GoFundMe page was created to help cover Vazquez's treatment costs.
“Our beloved champion has received a devastating cancer diagnosis,” WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman wrote on the GoFundMe page. “The WBC stands with him, working to bring his family from Mexico and ensure he receives the care he deserves. But he needs your love and support, too. Show this humble and courageous warrior what he means to you – with a dollar, a prayer, and a note to his family.”
Vazquez, who retired in May 2010 after his fourth bout with Marquez, concluded his career with a record of 44-5 (32 KOs). The Mexico City native first captured a title by stopping Jose Luis Valbuena in the 12th and final round for the vacant IBF junior featherweight belt. After being stripped, he went on to win the WBC title in a third-round stoppage over Oscar Larios – a fighter who had previously bested Vazquez for the vacant belt. Vazquez's final title reign came in August 2007 when he avenged a prior loss by knocking out Marquez for the WBC title.
Vazquez had already been in somewhat poor health in recent years: He is now blind in his right eye and has suffered from systemic sclerosis (SSc), a rare chronic autoimmune rheumatic disorder that causes degenerative changes to internal organs and the skin.
“One of the most compelling and compassionate boxers of all time needs your help,” Sulaiman wrote. “There’s no time to waste. Stand in his corner, now!”
Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.