Mexican boxer Israel 'Magnífico' Vázquez has received a hard blow to his health after visiting a specialist for intense pain in his leg. Israel Vázquez, a three-time world champion in the bantamweight and super bantamweight categories, retired in 2010 and has since faced several health problems. In 2016, he lost an eye due to complications from a fight, and in 2018 he was diagnosed with systemic sclerosis. He is now facing cancer diagnosed as stage 4 sarcoma.
His wife Laura Vázquez revealed in an interview with the Los Angeles Times that the doctor gave them a prognosis of six months, but they plan to seek a second opinion from a sarcoma specialist, as the first doctor did not have that specialization. Israel, a resident of Huntington Park, California, had experienced health problems due to his systemic sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that affects the skin, joints, and organs such as the lungs, intestines, kidneys, and heart.
Israel Vázquez consulted a rheumatologist in Mexico City after experiencing severe pain in his left leg, thinking it was a symptom of his sclerosis. After ten days in the capital, he returned with notable weight loss, an inability to walk, and the devastating news of the sarcoma. His wife described how his health rapidly deteriorated, going from walking on his own to needing a wheelchair.
The World Boxing Council and Mauricio Sulaimán have started a Go Fund Me campaign to raise funds and support Israel Vázquez's family in covering medical expenses. The petition has gathered part of the goal of $75,000, with the intention of moving the family from Mexico to ensure proper care for the former boxer. Israel has been hospitalized in Los Angeles twice in recent weeks, experiencing mobility issues and fatigue due to medication.
The sarcoma, a type of cancer affecting Vázquez, begins in the bones and tissues such as cartilage or muscles, and can vary depending on the area of origin. Facing a difficult battle, Israel Vázquez has shown symptoms such as difficulty speaking and breathing, weakness, and loss of mobility, contrasting with his image as an energetic and compassionate boxer.
