Nicaraguan boxer and three-division world champion celebrated for his skill and sportsmanship, who later became mayor of Managua before his death in 2009.
Born Andrés Alexis Argüello Bohórquez on 19 April 1952 in Managua, Nicaragua, Alexis Argüello turned professional in 1968 and, after an opening-fight loss, won 36 of his next 38 bouts. He captured his first world title in 1974, stopping Rubén Olivares in the 13th round to win the WBA featherweight championship, and successfully defended it four times before voluntarily moving up in weight. Argüello won a second world title at super featherweight in 1978, knocking out Alfredo Escalera in a brutal, blood-soaked encounter in Puerto Rico known as the 'Bloody Battle of Bayamón'. He won a third world title in 1981, defeating Jim Watt for the WBC lightweight championship, making him a three-division champion who never lost a world title in the ring, relinquishing each one instead to pursue higher weight classes. Argüello's attempt to become boxing's first-ever four-division champion ended in two epic, dramatic losses to Aaron Pryor for the WBA light welterweight title in 1982 and 1983, fights widely regarded among the greatest in boxing history. His career and personal life were also affected by Nicaragua's civil war: the Sandinista government seized his property in 1979, and one of his brothers was killed fighting the Sandinistas, prompting Argüello to briefly join the Contra movement. Argüello retired in 1995 with a career record of 82 wins and 8 losses, including 65 knockouts, and was known throughout his career as 'El Caballero del Ring' (the Gentleman of the Ring) for his sportsmanship. He later returned to Nicaragua and, having reconciled with the Sandinista party, was elected mayor of Managua in November 2008. He died on 1 July 2009 at age 57, from a gunshot wound to the chest, ruled by authorities as an apparent suicide.
Winning world championships in three divisions without ever losing a title in the ring
How They Played
Technically precise boxer-puncher with excellent reach and finishing power
Lasting Impact
Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most sportsmanlike champions in boxing history