Alexis Argüello was known by the ring name El Flaco Explosivo (The Explosive Thin-Man )….was a Nicaraguan professional boxer and politician. As a boxer he was a three-weight world champion….having held the WBA featherweight title….the WBC super featherweight title & WBA junior lightweight title….and WBC lightweight title. He has regularly been cited as one of the greatest fighters of his era….having never lost any of his world titles in the ring….instead relinquishing them each time in pursuit of titles in higher weight classes.
Arguello is ranked 20th on The Ring magazine’s list of “100 greatest punchers of all time”….having been voted by the Associated Press in 1999 as the #1 junior lightweight of the 20th century. After his first fight with the famous prospect….Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini….he would later be the subject of a made-for-television movie. This 1st fight fight with Mancini….as seen in this herewith….was later showcased in a boxing video of the best fights of the 1980’s….with Argüello prevailing by stoppage when he decked Mancini in round 14. This fight was referenced in the Warren Zevon song “Boom Boom Mancini”.
Mancini’s first attempt at a world title came in his October 3 bout….when he was pitted against Alexis Argüello for his World Boxing Council lightweight title. The event was selected by many….including The Ring magazine and ESPN….as one of the most spectacular fights of the 1980’s…..as Mancini gave Arguello trouble early….while building a lead on the scorecards….but Arguello used his experience to his advantage in the later rounds….stopping Mancini in the 14th round.
