Where do yout hink this fighter ranks of the ATG lists? Ive just watched his fights with Escalera, watt and pryor. A great boxer to watch very fluid, but do his two losses to pryor taint his record?
I don't think Alexis Arguello's losses to Pryor taint his legacy in anyway shape or form. He was already at the tail end of a highly successful career, that spanned multiple weight divisions and multiple world titles. The fact he was so competitive with Pryor in their first fight was actually a testament to Arguello as a professional Prizefighter. Pryor was a beast at 140lb, and Alexis is at his best as a Super Featherweight. I don't have a conclusive top 100 P4P list, but Arguello would be around the 30-40 mark.
He never lost at his prime weight of 130. He had a run of wins that included Escalera (x2), Bazooka Limon, Bobby Chacon, Ruben Castillo, Rolando Navarette, and Boza-Edwards (although the fight was at 135). It took a great boxer in his own right, Ernesto Marcel, to exploit an inexperienced Arguello's weaknesses at 126, and he slowed a little at 135 and up. NOBODY ever handled this guy at 130. Top 30 for me, maybe top 25.
I don't think so. That was simply additional gravy that Arguello failed to add to an already great legacy. He didn't need to win those fights to prove anything. Besides, Pryor was the top rated jr. welter of his time, and a HOFer. He may be overrated in some quarters today, but he certainly was no paper chump. On top of that, he had to blatantly cheat to pull out the first fight. Personally, I rate Arguello as one of the very best jr. lightweight champs ever.
He was an outstanding fighter. The way he punched was a thing of beauty plus he had a toughness about him that was nearly as impressive. His chin was amazing and he would always get stronger as the fight progressed. Any boxing fan could appreciate it. Plus he was a humble, smart champion. I think he is the best 130 lb. fighter ever. His wins at that weight seperate him from even Mayweather and Chavez. Based on his activity and victories over top notch competation he is a top 25 ATG in my book.
Love that Arguello combination of right uppercut to stomach then righthand to head.Not only great boxer but a legend.
