On Tuesday, the World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman announced the demise of former three-time world champion Israel Vasquez at the age of 46 after a battle with sarcoma cancer. The news left the boxing world shocked as the Mexican icon was one of the nicest fighters the world has ever seen. The tragedy affected many boxing personalities who watched him in action or were associated with him.

On Friday, the former eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao attended the IBA Champions Night in Riyad. Ahead of the event, Elie Seckbach of the ES News asked him about Vasquez and his demise. The Pac-Man was visibly distraught as he sent a heartfelt message to Vasquez’s family during this hard time.

Manny Pacquiao Reflects on Kindness

Sekbach asked Pacquiao to narrate his “favorite memory of Israel Vasquez?” While the Kibawe native did not have any anecdotes, he surely was distraught. Pacquiao agreed with Sekback remarks of ‘Magnifico’ being one of the nicest guys and said, “Yeah, It’s sad to hear the news. Israel Vasquez is a nice guy, nice person. I have been working with him many fights.” Many fans have no idea that these two used to train together during the initial days of their career.

Pac-Man further expressed his condolences and said, “I am sorry for the loss and I am sorry for his family for the loss. My sincere sympathy and condolences.” Sekbach once again mentioned the nice nature of Vasquez and stated that he was so similar to Pacquiao. He added, “How can you be such a nice person but such a vicious fighter?”

The 45-year-old once again ignored the question and said, ” Like I said, he is a nice person, he is a nice guy and we always remember him,” implying that he would like to remember his fellow fighter as a nice person who he was. With an empty smile on his face, Pacquiao accepted that it would be “hard to find a nicer person in the planet,” than the Mexican icon.

While many fans believe that the duo only shared a professional relationship, their bonds go deeper than that. Both of these legends started their career together and played a major role in each other’s success. Let’s take a look.

“Magnifico”: A Fighter and Friend

Way before any stardom the duo used to spar together and have impacted each other careers in a major way. Manny Pacquiao obviously had a better career and it became a superstar way before Vasquez. However, the Mexican icon was never disappointed by it.

In an interview, he accepted that “Believe it or not, that what’s motivates me. I worked out with Pacquiao for many of his fights and I like to believe I was at the same level. So that motivates me.” He further mentioned that seeing Manny Pacquiao have progressed in his career allows him to dream big as well.

Well, Vasquez certainly did use the motivation correctly as he is now regarded as one of the finest super bantamweight fighters of all time. He won the IBF Super Bantamweight title in 2004 and followed that up by acquiring the WBC Super Bantamweight Title the following year. He is one of the most celebrated icons in modern boxing and he received the “Fight of the Year” award twice, for his fights against Rafael Márquez.

Israel Vázquez last fought in May 2010, facing Marquez for the fourth time. It was his carer’s fifth loss as he finished his career with 44 wins and 5 losses. His resilience, determination and contributions made him one of the finest boxers, but his calm and sweet nature made him a legend for everyone.

What are your views on Manny Pacquiao and Israel Vasquez’s relation? Make sure to leave a message for Vasquez family during this tough time.