Sharkie’s Machine

Alexis Arguello (82-8, 65 KO’s), was found dead at his home in Managua, Nicaragua on Wednesday. Arguello was 57 years old. Arguello’s nick name was “The Explosive Thin Man” and was one of Boxing’s greatest champions.  According to Nicaraguan sources, it is suspected that Arguello shot himself through the heart, but as is common with early reports, the actual details of how he died are yet to be determined. It’s hard to believe Arguello, who never quit in one of the toughest sports in the world, would kill himself.

Arguello began his career as a Featherweight, where he lost his first fight. Undeterred, he went on to go unbeaten at 130 pounds. Arguello had a magnificent boxing career that spanned from 1968 – 1986. He is best known for his wars with Bobby Chacon, Ruben Olivares, Ray Mancini and Aaron Pryor at Welterweight. Arguello was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992.

Most of us remember Arguello as a tall thin, long armed brawling boxer who ruled the Lightweight division. During his career, he won major titles in four weight classes. His two battles against Aaron Pryor saw him lose twice by knockout, the first time in the 14^th round and the second time in the 10^th round.

After the losses to Pryor, Arguello retired from boxing but came back to win a couple of fights in 1985 and again in 1986. He made another comeback in 1994 but retired permanently after that.

As for politics, Arguello was initially against the Sandinista Party in Nicaragua, after they seized his bank account and property. He later joined the Sandinista party and ran for Mayor of the Capital (Managua) last year in November, where he beat Eduardo Montealegre.