American · Cincinnati, USA · Born 20 January 1955The Hawk — pound-for-pound best of the early 1980s, his two fights with Alexis Argüello are the finest boxing matches of that decade.
Aaron Pryor was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1955. Known as "The Hawk", he was the undisputed world junior welterweight champion from 1980 to 1985. His two fights with Nicaraguan legend Alexis Argüello — on 12 November 1982 and 9 September 1983 — are considered among the finest bouts in boxing history. The first fight, decided in the 14th round, produced a controversy when trainer Panama Lewis was heard requesting "the other bottle" for Pryor between rounds. The second fight ended in the 10th round. He went 39-1 in his career. Substance abuse ended his competitive prime prematurely, though he made several comebacks. He died in 2016.
Two epic victories over Alexis Arguello
His two fights with Alexis Argüello are considered by many boxing historians the finest fights of the 1980s.
Did You Know?How They Played
Aggressive pressure fighter with relentless pace
Lasting Impact
Considered one of the greatest junior welterweights ever
Career Honours
- WBA/IBF Junior Welterweight Champion
- Undefeated in world title fights
- Two wins over Arguello
American Athletes