Alexis Arguello - The Rise and Fall of a Legend

Probably so.

 

What a great champion and gentleman Alexis Arguello was. A cool tactician, had a long hard stiff jab, a very punishing right hand to the head and body. He hit Cornelious Boza Edwards so hard to the body that poor Edwards soiled his trunks. On Nov 23 1974 he stopped Ruben Olivares in round 13 to win the WBA Featherweight title. On Jan 28 1978, he nearly tore off the lip of WBC World Junior Lightweight Champion Alfredo Escalera, stopping him in Round 13 to win the title. I saw him fight Ruben Castillo in defense of his title on Jan 20 1980 live in my hometown with my dad, Arguello was very calculated, stopped Castillo in round 11, trapping Ruben against the ropes. Arguello always praised his opponents after a match On June 20 1981, he out boxed reigning WBC Lightweight Champion Jim Watt to win the title. I remember seeing him fight Ray Boom Boom Mancini in defense of his title, on Oct 3 1981. It was a very good battle until Alexis crashed home a right hand that knocked out Ray in round 14. Arguello later consoled Mancini, telling him one day he would become champion. On Nov 12 1982 Alexis challenged WBA Junior Welterweight Champion Aaron Pryor on a title bout televised on HBO. After a good battle Aaron Pryor prevailed, stopping the courageous Alexis in round 14. They both fought again, a year later, Pryor again stopped Arguello in round 10. A lot of great memories that Arguello gave us. But he loved his people, perhaps sadly, that is how he lost his life in a political setting.

 

Great Post Richard M.....l missed his earlier days, Did see the fight with Mancini on NBC or CBS. Was rooting for RM. Blown away how tactful AA was and gracious in victory. Made a fan of me. Love to think of him against Duran at 135,,,,,,, But not a good matchup. I think this post has been already been discussed

 

Thanks my friend.

 

The Mancini vs Arguello title bout was televised on CBS.

 

One of my all time favorite fighters. Loved watching him. An All Time Great champion and exemplenary gentleman.

The first Pryor fight with the special mix bottle was a blatant cheat. Ruined a great battle and forever stains Pryors win.

Unfortunate that Alexis was haunted by his demons, which led to his suicide.

 

Nice one Chuck.

 

I can’t think of a better definition of what or a who a champion is than Arguello. Just the most beautiful style of boxing and about the classiest guy the sport has seen. He makes you proud of boxing.