Arguello


MANAGUA, Nicaragua — Alexis Arguello, who fought in one of boxing’s most classic brawls and reigned supreme at 130 pounds, was found dead at his home early Wednesday.

Presidential spokeswoman Rosario Murillo confirmed Arguello’s death and an autopsy was pending. The La Prensa newspaper reported Arguello — elected mayor of Managua last year — was found with a gunshot wound to the chest.

The 57-year-old Arguello retired in 1995 with a record of 82-8 with 65 knockouts and was a champion in three weight divisions. He was perhaps best known for two thrilling battles with Aaron Pryor and fights with Ray Mancini, Bobby Chacon and Ruben Olivares.

“I’m kind of in a daze right now,” Pryor told The Associated Press. “Those were great fights we had. This was a great champion.”

Nicknamed “The Explosive Thin Man,” Arguello was inducted in 1992 into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, where flags were flying at half-staff in his honor Wednesday.

Source: ESPN News

If you weren’t old enough to remember Arguello chances are you young enough to hate boxing. When Arguello roamed the rings back in the 80’s boxing was in its glory. Boxers like Hagler, Hearns, Arguello, Pryor, Mancini and Duran legitimized boxing, it was electrifying and unlike any other sporting event on television when these met fought.

Arguello was tall, long arms, lightning fast, tough as nails and boxed when men went 15 rounds. Unfortunately for boxing there are very few Alexis Arguello’s in the ranks and even fewer fights like Arguello/Pryor, so pay your respects by watching some highlights of his illustrious career.

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