Tributes flow as beloved boxing champion Israel Vazquez, 46, dies after cancer battle

The boxing world is mourning the death of three-time champion Israel Vazquez.

The 46-year-old Mexican died less than a month after revealing he was battling cancer.

His wife Laura and their children Israel Jr, Anthony and Zoe, his parents, his sister and in-laws were by his side.

Vazquez, who finished his career with a 44-5 record, won his first world title in 2004 and his second the following year.

He lost his belt to countryman Rafael Marquez in 2007 then won it back five months later in a brutal second of four famous fights between the pair.

Vazquez retained the title in 2008 but suffered a detached retina that derailed his career.

He retired after one last fight with Marquez in 2010, and lost his right eye some years later before his cancer battle.

“Israel is finally resting in peace,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said.

“May God provide his family with strength we extend all the support to his wife Laura, his kids, family and friends during this difficult time. Thanks champion for leaving a special footprint. You will always be ‘El Magnifico’.”

Tributes flowed from around the world.

Vazquez’s former trainer Freddie Roach said his fighter is “forever a world champion and legend in boxing”.

“One of the best boxers I ever had the privilege of working with — a world champion,” he wrote.

“Israel, may you rest in peace now. Condolences to the Vazquez family and to all those who called Israel their friend.”

Australian boxer Billy Dib said he was “heartbroken” by the news.

“He was not only a champion but also a true warrior in and out of the ring,” Dib said.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who admired him. May he rest in peace.”