World champion boxer Israel Vazquez, 46, dies after battling cancer

Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Former Mexican boxer Israel Vazquez, who won three junior featherweight world titles, died after battling cancer, World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman announced Tuesday. He was 46.

"Thank you Israel for the so many great memories that you have given us through your actions inside the ring, but most importantly outside of it," Sulaiman wrote on social media. "You are now eternal. Rest in peace. Everything will be all right."

The WBC announced in November that Vazquez was diagnosed with cancer and organized a fundraiser for his battle. Nearly $45,000 was raised as part of that GoFundMe campaign.

Vazquez had a 44-5 career record, with 32 knockouts. His last bout was a loss to Rafael Marquez in May 2010 in Los Angeles.

"Forever a world champion and legend in boxing," famed trainer Freddie Roach wrote on Instagram. "One of the best boxers I ever had the privilege of working with -- a world champion. Israel, my friend, may you rest in peace now. My condolences to the Vazquez family and to all those who called Israel their friend."