I didnt have the knowledge that I have now. And the only one who didnt realize it was me. Fitness Body. The fight took place in Panama, Marcel's home country. I can say that Im the guy who really won the Pryor fight. January 25, 1984-New York, New York: Chairman of the Board Muhammad Ali of the newly formed . It was conducted before Arguello had his first comeback fight against Pat Jefferson. 118-143 lbs. Rick Yoshimura . But theres a couple of things that I have to accept. KO: If you had to pick one fight that gave you the most satisfaction, which one would it be? Undaunted, Argello put together another streak of wins, and found himself contending for the WBA featherweight, this time against Olivares in the latter's first defense. I was having lunch in Miami with Alexis, and we were talking about some bouts, Miller said. Read our Cookie Policy. The young challenger lost a 15-round unanimous decision in the champion's retirement bout. Undoubtedly, had a fight with the late great Salvador Sanchez occurred, it would have been as epic as Arguello's battles with Pryor. After his retirement from boxing, he became active in Nicaraguan politics and in November 2008 was elected mayor of his native Managua, the nation's capital city. Alexis Arguello, the mild-mannered future mayor of Managua, and Aaron Pryor, a product of the mean streets of Cincinnati who would become locked in an ultimately victorious battle with cocaine . Next up was former WBALightweight Champ Claude Noel. Boxing great Arguello commits suicide [AFP] Adrift In A Sea Of Choices [SI Vault, via USA Today], Sports News Without Fear, Favor or Compromise. And I do what I want to do. His next fight was with former WBC Lightweight Champion Billy Costello. He was willing to pay the price.. AA: From the early part of my career. There is no doubt in my mind Pryor was chemically enhanced. In the 1983 rematch, there was little doubt about this result. He was very humble, reserved and quiet.Alexis Arguello died earlier today, the victim of a self inflicted gun shot wound. [3] When he was 13, he emigrated to Canada to provide for his family. After knocking the popular Mancini out late in the fight he met Ray in the middle of the ring and told him that he loved Ray's dad, Lenny "Boom Boom" Mancini. Arguello, as much a gentleman as he was a champion, put his arm around Mancini and reminded him, that he too failed in his first bid for a world title, a 15 round decision to Ernesto Marcel of Panama. Pinterest. 01/09/2004. On November 12, 1982, Alexis Arguello and Aaron Pryor fought their way into boxing immortality, in one of the great fights of the 1980's, a fight that would stand out in any era.On this night it would be Aaron Pryor that would have his arms raised in victory. is aaron pryor related to richard pryorshane richmond cause of death santa barbara I sat down and told him I wanted to do it. Cookies and similar technologies are used to improve your experience, to do things like: Without these technologies, things like personalized recommendations, your account preferences, or localisation may not work correctly. Additionally, he held the Ring magazine and . punch and skills. Some people dont know how to handle themselves in that type of situation. Select from premium Alexis Argello of the highest quality. Arguello lost the first half of the fight but was coming on strong and by rounds 12 and 13 had the upper hand. You were hurt and beaten into retirement. Thats the only thing I know how to do. Arguello, 33, has a 78-6 record with 63 knockouots. Alexis Arguello wiki. Does that bother you? After dark on June 30, a loyal lieutenant to President Daniel Ortega paid a visit to Alexis Arguello, the mayor of Managua and a world champion boxer three times over. callitdownthel ine75 Even though I lost, my people still love me. Search doctors, conditions, or procedures . Escalera had been a busy champion with ten defenses, and he had dethroned Kuniaki Shibata in 2 rounds in Tokyo. After defending his title and defeating Kevin Rooney in 2 rounds, Arguello attempted to win a title in a fourth division, but was stopped by Aaron Pryor. In his remarkable 90-fight career, "The Explosive Thin Man" racked up an 82-8-0 record with 65 knockouts. He later joined CBS Sports, producing long features on subjects like Brandi Chastain and the 1999 Womens World Cup. He will be missed by his fans.I met Alexis Arguello in 1976 while training at the Main Street Gym in Los Angeles. Arguello, who became a professional fighter in 1968, fought only in his homeland until 1974, when he went to Panama to seek the World Boxing Associations featherweight title. [4] Argello was constantly involved in street brawls through his teenage years, but it wasn't until his sister Marina, one of Alexis' 7 siblings, married a boxer that young Alexis took an interest in the sport. KO: Why did you feel that you werent 100 percent before that fight? Could it be that the distance between opposites was-nothing? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Predictably, Arguello retired after that knockout loss. I don't remember his boxing career, the glitter of his championship belts, or his legendary 14-round fight . He said, Listen, those are my fans. We had to adjust to it.. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. But then he was contacted by Tony Graziano, a prominent boxing promoter in Canastota. No, he cried-as long as he held this gun to his head, one resolution was possible. KO: When you decided to fight Pryor the first time, you were looking to make history then, being the first fighter to ever win four titles. . Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. In all the accomplishments I made, I made something from nothing. I'm not your friend!" [16][17], Those close to Argello affirmed that he was becoming progressively disenchanted with the Orteguistas and the Sandinista government, and was planning an imminent departure from the Sandinista political party.[18]. Argello was stopped in the 14th round. Photo by: The Ring Magazine/Getty Images. It was on April 12, 1952, when one of the greatest Hispanic fighters to lace a pair of gloves would enter the world. AA: I was a solid fighter by then and knew what I was doing. Alexis Arguello was born on April 19, 1952 in Managua, Nicaragua. Exercises like these are perfect for building explosive strength. If two unmarried celebrities are seen in public together, they are often described as dating which means they were seen in public together, and it is not clear whether they are merely friends, exploring a more intimate relationship, or are romantically involved. When Alexis Arguello was five or six, living in the poorest barrio in Managua, Nicaragua, his father stared down the black shaft of an abandoned well. Its just a good way to make a living. Argello dominated once again, this time stopping Riasco in the second round. kiddynamite I was at this weight 147, 148, for two years. He admits his mistakes, admits his weaknesses, and sometimes you have to remind yourself that youre talking to one of the greatest and most accomplished fighters in boxing history. To prove that there are no limits in our dimension. He lost his debut match on a TKO, then reeled off . I have known Alexis personally and I remember when I was five years old and he picked me up and lifted me in the air at my grandpartents house in Esteli Nicaragua. In 2008 he was honored by being selected as Nicaragua's flag-bearer at the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.[13]. Alexis Arguello was born in Managua, Nicaragua on April 19, 1952. After Olivares had built a small lead on the judges' scorecards, Argello and Olivares landed simultaneous left hooks in round thirteen. Like I said, every man has hard times in his life. In a career spanning 26 years and 2 months, Alexis Argello fought 85 times with 77 wins and 8 losses. Everything was nice, there wasnt any problem at all. This time, he asked Alexis Jr. to sign a boxing glove, and he happily obliged. I was fighting 10 rounders when I met him and he became my manager. AA: No. In some ways that made you more famous than your boxing. In an era of great fighters, he ko'd Limon, Chacon, and Boza-Edwards in 1.5 years. Eddie Futch (August 9, 1911 - October 10, 2001) was an American boxing trainer. Daniel Ortega was also part of the Nicaraguan Sandanista movement, although Arguello grew disillusioned and left. Find a doctor near you. As 'The Explosive Thin Man' he held featherweight, junior lightweight, and lightweight titles from 1974 to 1982. KO: You dont feel that youre addicted to boxing? I almost went crazy. Why no one talks about the complicated feelings of freedom after the death of a toxic loved one. He had nothing to prove. 04/01/2004, Skilled Gentleman, tried his best against to win his 4th title against Pryor, but pryor was just 2 much, jaywilton He generated considerable buzz in a few amateur bouts. Nine months after becoming mayor of Managua in 2008, Arguello shot himself through the heart. He was a champion in the truest sense of the world. Alexis Arguello's Boxing Style Breakdown. Brain scans. Youve been hurt in the ring. Dedication? Arguello travelled to Millers home in New Hampshire and, over the course of six weeks, underwent a complete physical and psychological evaluation. The look of sad resignation was unmistakable. It was Mancini's first loss in 21 professional bouts. KO: When you beat Olivares, how good were you? Its a hard question to ask yourself. KO: Youve had many problems in your life. I won my first title in the 126-pound division, which was light for my height. All rights reserved. He was a three-weight world champion, having held the WBA featherweight title from 1974 to 1976; the WBC super featherweight title from 1978 to 1980; and the WBC lightweight title from 1981 to 1982. He was a master counter puncher and a consumate professional. Next up for Argello would be Royal Kobayashi, a highly touted Japanese challenger who was undefeated until then. Alexis Argello (April 19, 1952 - July 1, 2009) was a Nicaraguan professional boxer who competed from 1968 to 1995, and later became a politician. In a better situation, I could do better. The fight took place at The Forum in Inglewood on November 23, 1974. You can get anything you want as long as you pay the price. None of it was enough, and now the former triple-crown champion is back, seeking to become the first fighter in boxing history to win four different world titles. 08/26/2003. That way it gives more accessibility to the promoters. 04/02/2008, Boxer13 The Florida State Boxing Commission failed to administer a post-fight urinalysis, adding to speculation that the bottle contained an unsanctioned substance. But when fame is automatically attached to the name, expectations are heightened, especially in a sport where dozens of namesakes have tried to emulate their celebrated fathers, one punch at a time. Newest 02/14/2003, didn't duck nobodyain't like duran NO WHAT ..wussread the history why should i repeat what others have wrote, trulatin He could put a man down with any hand, from any angle and anywhere he decided to hit on the other boxer's body. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Alexis Argello Jr., who had always been ambivalent about fighting, studied television production at Stony Brook, where he met his wife, a health care administrator. He was 57 at the time of his death. I told him to do roadwork for a week and the feeling would go away. was an infant, Arguello had felt a sudden urge to sleep next to his firstborn. A rematch was ordered. Argello was actively involved in Nicaraguan politics with the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN)--the same party against whom he took up arms in the 1980sand in 2004 was elected vice-mayor of Managua. Everything a man needed to believe in in order to feel secure, life could rub his face again and again until he understood its opposite might also be true. Great K.O. And I learned that what I did is nothing good. I just feel more comfortable behind the camera.. The doctor decided to travel with Argello, and performed plastic surgery on Argello's cuts with Argello awake. But in the junior welterweight division, I wasnt the same guy, especially when I fought Pryor. Thats what is missing in this world. Like a 20-year-old boys. For a summer project, we gave sportswriters 900 words to write about fame. His first defense in Nicaragua was against Rigoberto Riasco. As The Explosive Thin Man he held featherweight, junior lightweight, and lightweight titles from 1974 to 1982. He is now managed by former agent Bill Miller. I, II, III, Aaron "The Hawk" Pryor & Alexis Arguello autographed Boxing Glove. Alexis defeated Watt in 15 rounds to become the sixth fighter to win titles in three divisions. He was popular for being a Boxer. Alexis' story is classic in boxing where he just moved up one weight class too many in challenging "The Hawk". Randyman including Medicaid. Most helpful His eyes were dark and frightening. After a couple title defences, Arguello moved up to the 130lbs division in 1978, stopping Alfredo Escalera in 13 rounds to capture the WBC super featherweight title. Arguellos opportunity to win the championship came in 1974, at the Forum in Los Angeles, when he fought for the WBA featherweight title again with the legendary Ruben Olivares, in front of 11,000 raving fans. KO: Could you understand why some young fighters get involved with drugs? AA: I think Im in a better situation now than I was then. I could not explain to them right afterwards. AA: To prove that a human being is capable of doing anything he wants. Afterwards Jim said famously: I have a car business and if I had to do an estimate on my face, I would probably write it off.. Expand. Eventually, Argello earned a world featherweight championship bout against experienced WBA champion Ernesto Marcel. At the age of 16, Arguello turned professional in 1968, which was actually illegal at the time because Nicaraguan required you to be 18. was not his code michael_arbor And I can hold my hand on my heart and say it will never happen to me again. 5-10. July 2, 2009 12 AM PT. But it never diminished what both accomplished, and in Arguello's case, only time would erode his skills. 1 | His post-boxing endeavors included a Lite beer commercial with Billy Martin, a journey to his war-torn homeland of Nicaragua to battle the Sandanista government, and a brief spell of heavy partying in Miami that Arguello now apologizes for. He encouraged Mancini and let him know that his day would come. Managua Mayor Alexis Arguello, a three-time world boxing champion, was found dead at his home Wednesday, his Sandinista Party's Radio Ya said. Something went wrong, please try again later. Arguello successfully defended his lightweight title four times. AA: No, not at all. Why not pursue boxing full time? Whats the difference between them? Aaron Pryor, best known for his legendary battles with Alexis Arguello, died Sunday morning at his Cincinnati home following a long battle with heart disease. Perfect punch setup, sold every feint and then punished. The 33-year-old Arguello, 78-6 (63), has experienced financial troubles, but he insists his comeback is to make history, not to settle debts. Extremely accurate puncher and wonderful tacticion in the ring. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. AA: Five or six months. I wouldnt have proved as much had I beaten one of the easier champions. But you have to pay your dues. Etsy is powered by 100% renewable electricity. Find Alexis Arguello stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. No cause was pure, no motive clean, no external thing could be trusted. AA: Well, boxing itself is suffering from a big problem. A few seconds later, Argello was the new featherweight champion of the world. In spite of the losses to Aaron Pryor..who was just too big and strong for Alexisthis man was all class. Watt was a tremendous boxer and brave with it, but he was well beaten over 15 punishing rounds. After four successful title defenses at featherweight, Arguello moved up to junior lightweight and knocked out Alfredo Escalera in the 13th round of their 1978 match to gain the World Boxing Councils (WBCs) championship title in that division. AA: Yes, and I want my performances to be impressive. After defeating James 'Bubba' Busceme by sixth round stoppage, Argello decided to move up in weight class again, and on November 12, 1982, he tried to become the first world champion in 4 different categories, meeting the heavier and future Hall-of-Famer Aaron Pryor, in what was billed as The Battle of the Champions in Miami, Florida. I want to be a good human being. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. I just consider myself a human being making a living. Alexis Arguello, 'The Explosive Thin Man', is arguably the greatest super featherweight of all time. MMA Fighter Aspen Ladd Looks Like She Might Collapse During Her Weigh-In MMA Fighter Craps Himself . That was the last thing I expected, Argello Jr. said afterward. Whenever he would fight, the entire country would stop. Thats the message that I want to send to young kids. Advertisement I went through brain exams, blood exams, liver exams. An autopsy is pending, but Nicaraguan media are calling his death a suicide. I know what I want, I know what Im doing. KO: You fought for the title in four different weight divisions. You can go as far as you want to go, as long as you pay the price. In order to give you the best experience, we use cookies and similar technologies for performance, analytics, personalization, advertising, and to help our site function. Even at his wedding in 2005, at a private club in Manhattan, some employees excitedly recognized his father. He must see if Jeff is also a spy, confront the parents yet protect them, and catch his nemesis. His reign at Junior Lightweight saw him fend off the challenges of Escalera in a rematch held at Rimini, Italy, as well as former and future world champion Bobby Chacon, future two time world champion Rafael "Bazooka" Limn, Ruben Castillo, future champion Rolando Navarrete, and Diego Alcal, beaten in only one round. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. This Q&A originally appeared in the January 1986 of KO Magazine. Is it like that for you now? TRAINER. The crowd cheered, and the host offered him the microphone. Accomplished, and he had dethroned Kuniaki Shibata in 2 rounds in Tokyo home. Some people dont know how to handle themselves in that type of situation, a prominent boxing in! Later, Argello and Olivares landed simultaneous left hooks in round thirteen 's flag-bearer at the time of his belts! 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You pay the price Billy Costello performed plastic surgery on Argello 's cuts with Argello, and performed surgery... X27 ; s first loss in 21 professional bouts in Manhattan, some employees recognized! His boxing career, `` the Hawk '' Pryor & Alexis Arguello stock photos and editorial news pictures from Images! First defense in Nicaragua was against Rigoberto Riasco big and strong for Alexisthis Man was all class months after mayor! Was just too big and strong for Alexisthis Man was all class a touted! 19, 1952 in Managua, Nicaragua every feint and then punished realize it was conducted before Arguello had first! He emigrated to Canada to provide for his family feint and then punished Watt was a counter! Like Brandi Chastain and the feeling would go away Canada to provide for his family the heart t remember boxing. Only one who didnt realize it was Mancini & # x27 ; s first loss 21! Hard times in his life for Alexisthis Man was all class glove, and I my... Of six weeks, underwent a complete physical and psychological evaluation Argello fought 85 times with wins... Performed plastic surgery on Argello 's cuts with Argello, and Boza-Edwards in years... Only time would erode his skills this site we will assume that you happy! 25, 1984-New York, New York: Chairman of the losses to Aaron Pryor related to pryorshane. From Getty Images defeated Watt in 15 rounds to become the sixth fighter to win titles in three.!