Alexis Arguello: "I Wanted to Die" (2000 ESPN Article)

Sounds like he had the same brain issue that NFL guys have after too many shots to the head. Must be a horrible feeling....bad enough to commit suicide like Junior Seau.

 

Great article.

 

Very sad indeed. So many fighters who have grown used to the limelight and the adulation struggle badly once they have to live a normal life.
Alexis was one of boxing's real gentlemen, yet he too could not escape the trappings of fame.

 

In victory or defeat, you couldn't help but love AA.

 

Thank you for the interesting read.

It's just mind blowing that these titans in the ring, who succeed under the hardest physical pressures, have trouble just being happy being alone or living a fulfilled life without others paying attention.

Arguello's words in this article show a very dark world view and a masochist streak. Just look at the words Arguello uses in the article - "guilt, knife, die, weak, heavy, sorrow, killed, nobody gives, sensitive, crooks etc". Most people are aware of the worlds problem's but what Arguello himself describes as being "sensitive" is much more than that. Arguello is internalising the emotional pain/shock he experiences from seeing other people stealing money and then damages himself physically through drugs and being racked by guilt. Most people shake off those feelings or manage them in a way different manner. Healthy empathy isn't self destructive.

Arguello also never really talks about overcoming these problems in fact he seems more fixated on them which are hallmarks of depression. He was in real need of psychological help or any help for that matter.

A sad story. RIP Champ.

 

good points. It appears he was overly sensitive. Maybe he was just too nice of a guy.

 

Its much more complex than that. These are all tell tales signs of severe emotional disturbance. When its leads to dysfunctional drug abuse, suicidal thoughts and harming love ones its very very serious. I am not judging Alexis, but its very hard to live a fullfiled life when you view everything like an empty pit and your only worth comes from others telling you that you have worth. Mike Tyson talked about this is his bio, he had to actually learn to sustainable healthy life practices and self esteem that is internal. And Mike's constant crying and breakdowns in interviews to this day over basic things in life shows that its very hard for some people and something that has to be worked on. BTW Mike claimed he was bi-polar which is a serious mental condition.

The article mentions "recurring bouts of depression". By no means is this a diagnosis but bipolar personality disorder used to be called manic-depression which is frequent bouts of depression follow by extreme mood changes. Arguello talks of caring to much he cares for his country-men, but his response to seeing open corruption in Nicaragua is to drink and drug himself to near death to make HIMSELF feel better for over 2 months. I'm sorry but this isn't rational and is a self-centred focus and has nothing to do with empathy or helping those perceived people who he feels were slighted. Having these emotional triggers which constantly set you off is unhealthy to say to the least.

 

good points. He was probably manic-depressive.