This thread, man. Pryor was great. Mancini was great. Camacho was great. Cervantes was great. Arguello was great. Everyone was great or an all-time great. Or a great who should've been an all-time great, but still great nonetheless. Not a dud in the bunch. (LOL) Today, we've got guys moving up four divisions with nearly 20 title fight wins and they're no-good cherry pickers. But back in the early 80s, EVERYONE was great. So funny. Those fans who came up in that time (except for a couple of us) are certainly not nearly as harsh on that era's fighters as most are on those in the current era. It was certainly MUCH easier to be considered "great" in the 80s. Because everyone was considered "great" or an "all-time great" ... whether they were or not. Today, Cervantes would be considered a weak champ for losing to a 17-year-old and never trying to win a belt at welter.
That's the rumor. But whether Pryor got an unfair boost or not has nothing to do with what Arguello's condition was prior to that. He was definitely a worthy opponent and in great shape. As for the drink, I believe most people claim Pryor had it just before the final round. I'm not a dietitian or sports medicine expert, but I'm not sure if it would be able to take effect and greatly enhance Pryor's performance in only 60 seconds. Does anyone want to take a stab at this? Is this scientifically feasible?
And my friend, I think you are great too, along with many quality posters on this site. I did enjoy your post
He has no good wins because no one wanted to fight him lol One of the most ducked fighters in history
Thanks man. I have only been on here about 4 years so I do know my place .. LOL .. But I think if people knew the back story with Pryor WAY before the drugs, then they would understand the position he was in ... He didn't make the big money because his manager took half his purse after expenses ... It's a long story but LaRosa was with him EARLY after 1 pro fight .. And it was his contract that made him say No to Ray Leonard and a chance with Duran... People do not want to accept it ... BUT PRYOR BLEW IT .. No one mentions LaRosa and it is surprising to me
Arguello was a 12-5 favorite to win. He was on a 16 fight win streak. He fought at 140 in his previous fight and fought at 135 for a year which would mean he only needed to gain a mere 5 lbs to move up to Pryor's division. What is your evidence Arguello was "bloated" or in poor condition? Is there any evidence that he struggled to make that weight or was in bad shape?
GREAT fights right !! Thats why it was so tragic . Pryor was in a win win situation with Ray Leonard because he is supposed to lose that fight at 147 , he would get a nice payceck and if you happen to win you are KING of the world ... but he passed on it
Pryor is probably a top 5 junior welter along with Barney Ross, Antonio Cervantes, Julio Cesar Chavez and one of Niccolino Loche or Duilio Loi. He has two fantastic wins against Antonio Cervantes (who he no doubt caught at the right time but still royally kicked the **** out of) and Alexis Arguello in their first fight when Alexis was gunning for history and not shopworn. He held his title (or versions of it - WBA then IBF) for about 5 years and made 10 defenses. Most of the other opposition was pretty average to poor but he was great fun to watch. Whether any of that makes him a GREAT fighter is debatable but he was memorable, that's for sure.
I still remember the title defense against Akio Kameda on July 4 1982, Arron was decked, did a somersault, then went after Kameda, Arron did stop him though.
