Pryor-Arguello II (EDIT-Manny Steward chimed in on this)

Let me add one more bit of trivia before this thread dies out. Most people regarded Aaron Pryor as the boss at 140, but he was not the undisputed champ. He had the WBA title, and Sauol Mamby had the WBC title. In my opinion Alexis would have demolished Mamby. However, Arguello said he could not call himself "the champ" in a 4th division unless he beat Pryor, and refused to consider Mamby. Compare that to some of the cherry picking and title poaching that goes on, and you get a little bit better picture of Alexis Arguello the man, and the boxing legend.

 

true gentleman and warrior.

the nicest guy who would beat you up.

hes a legend

 

Yeah Arguello deserves a lot of respect for that. None of this "pick a vulnerable trinket holder".

Pryor and Mamby actually were supposed to fight, but Pryor ending up getting shot by his wife, and his manager got arrested, so that killed the deal.

 

Yep. Just like he went after Escalera at 130 (who had a whole host of defenses), he always went after the top fighters/titleholders in every weight class he was in.

 

Arguello's exact words were, "to win a 4th title in different weight classes against anyone but the best 140 pounder, would be a slap in the face to every fighter before me who who ever attempted it."

I still get goose bumps just thinking that a fighter of that type mentality exjsted in my lifetime!


So respected was Arguello by all involved for his caliber and class, that toward the latter part of his career, Arguello would be introduced before his fights by the ring announcer, as "the great Alexis Arguello!"

......that just does'nt happen very often to active fighters.

 

is that still his current wife?

this guy is so amazing everyday i like him better.

any kid who likes boxing can learn alot from this guys manner and composure. I watch tapes of this guy fighting to learn how to fight tall. But i could watch tapes of his interviews and learn how to be a top guy

 

As a challenger Alexis lost 3 title fights. As a champion he never lost a defense. Escalera, Chacon, Gannigan, Mancinni, et al, he beat 'em all.

 

The post Mancinni interview was one of the best moments in boxing history.

"I know your father. Now I Know you. You good fighter. You come see me again, two years."

 

Introducing "Mr Alexis Arguello" was common too.

 

yeh thats great end. Rays dad is in tears and the commentater is amazed a real heart rendering moment. Even Ray was in tears i think. Didnt Alexis also say if you ever need anything im here.

My mate actually spent aday with Arguello when he was over in Britian doing after dinner talks and he said he is a real respectable honourable guy. He is very heavil;y into politics now he said

 

Alexis ran for Mayor of Manauga, his home town. Not sure how it turned out.

 

yeh i heard. My mate never really asked they spoke for the whole day.

Incidently my mate is actually mates with Aaran Pryor and keeps in regualr contact as he says Arran is one of the lads whereas Alexis is quite intellectual.

 

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Here is a treat for you guys. I've seen this about 20 times. If you haven't, trust me, it's worth a few minutes of your time!
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJd2j4LKMU8

 

:good Alexis Arguello was the epitome of what makes this sport great.

I think the way he conducts himself after the Mancini fight is beautiful.

 

I love Argüello. Integrity, a spirit of excellence, gentlemanliness. Not words you normally associate with a pugilist, but el señor Alexis Argüello was all this and much more.

He chose the long way home and, in doing so, planted a dream in my youthful heart. There was a time I believed most people who are looked up to will do the right thing. After decades of witnessing publicized, disappointing scandals in every walk of life, I feel grateful to have grown up with and now look back on a real guy who climbed up under the lights to attempt "the impossible dream" the right way, performed gallantly and walked away as a gentleman, as a man, regardless of the results.

Thank you, hermano. Through your example, you will always be so much more than a four-class champion.