Alexis Arguello was one of the greatest boxers of all time, a three-weight world champion who fought in some of the most memorable bouts in the history of the sport. He was also a beloved figure in his native Nicaragua, where he became a politician and the mayor of Managua. But his life was not without struggles and controversies, and his death on July 1, 2009, shocked and saddened the boxing world and his countrymen. What was the cause of death of Alexis Arguello, and what led him to take his own life?
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The Rise of a Champion
Alexis Arguello was born on April 19, 1952, in a poor neighborhood of Managua. He had a troubled childhood, marked by poverty, violence, and family problems. He ran away from home at the age of nine to work on a dairy farm, and later emigrated to Canada to support his family. He took up boxing at the age of 13, inspired by his sister’s husband, who was a boxer. He had a brief but successful amateur career, compiling a record of 58-2.
He turned professional in 1968, at the age of 16, and quickly rose through the ranks of the featherweight division. He won his first world title in 1974, when he knocked out Ruben Olivares to claim the WBA featherweight belt. He defended his title four times, including a brutal war with Alfredo Escalera in 1978, before moving up to the super featherweight division.
He won his second world title in 1978, when he stopped Escalera again to capture the WBC super featherweight crown. He made eight successful defenses of his title, including a rematch with Escalera and a unification bout with Rafael Limon. He then moved up to the lightweight division, where he faced another challenge.
He won his third world title in 1981, when he knocked out Jim Watt to win the WBC lightweight belt. He defended his title four times, including a unification bout with WBA champion Ray Mancini in 1982. He then moved up to the light welterweight division, where he met his nemesis.
The Fall of a Legend
Alexis Arguello’s quest for a fourth world title ended in disappointment and controversy. He challenged Aaron Pryor for the WBA light welterweight title in 1982, in what is widely regarded as one of the greatest fights of all time. The fight was a back-and-forth slugfest that saw both men hurt and staggered several times. In the 14th round, Pryor unleashed a furious barrage that sent Arguello to the canvas for the first time in his career. Arguello failed to beat the count and lost by knockout.
The fight was marred by allegations of foul play by Pryor’s cornerman, Panama Lewis, who was seen giving Pryor a mysterious bottle between rounds. The bottle was later found to contain water mixed with asthma medication, which could have given Pryor an unfair advantage. The controversy led to a rematch in 1983, but it was no different from the first fight. Pryor dominated Arguello from the start and knocked him out in the 10th round.
Arguello retired after the second loss to Pryor, but he came back in 1985 to pursue another world title. He won two fights before challenging Billy Costello for the WBC light welterweight title in 1986. He lost by knockout in the fourth round and retired again.
He made another comeback in 1994, at the age of 42, but he only fought twice before retiring for good in 1995. His final record was 77-8, with 62 knockouts.
The Turmoil of a Politician
Alexis Arguello’s life outside the ring was as turbulent as his career inside it. He struggled with depression, drug addiction, and financial problems for years. He also became involved in politics, joining the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), the leftist party that ruled Nicaragua from 1979 to 1990.
He ran for mayor of Managua in 2008, as part of President Daniel Ortega’s coalition. He won the election with 51.3 percent of the vote, but the result was disputed by the opposition and denounced by international observers as fraudulent and rigged. The election sparked riots and protests that left several people dead and injured.
Arguello faced accusations of corruption and mismanagement during his tenure as mayor. He was accused of misappropriating millions of dollars from public funds for personal use and political favors. He was also under investigation for allegedly using a public loan to build himself a luxury home.
He denied any wrongdoing and claimed that he was being persecuted by his enemies.
The Suicide of a Hero
Alexis Arguello’s death was a tragic end to a troubled life. He was found dead in his home in Managua on July 1, 2009, with a gunshot wound to his chest. He was 57 years old.
The police ruled his death a suicide, based on the autopsy and the evidence at the scene. They said that he used a 9mm pistol that he had legally registered in his name. They also said that he left a note, but did not reveal its contents.
His death shocked and saddened his fans and his countrymen, who mourned the loss of a national hero and a boxing legend. Thousands of people attended his funeral, where he was buried with full honors.
His death also raised questions and speculations about the circumstances and the motives behind it. Some people suggested that he was depressed and despondent over his personal and political problems. Some people hinted that he was murdered by his political enemies or by drug traffickers. Some people even claimed that he was assassinated by the CIA or by aliens.
The truth may never be known, but one thing is certain: Alexis Arguello was a great fighter and a great man, who left behind a legacy of courage, skill, and grace. He will always be remembered as one of the best boxers of all time, and one of the most beloved figures in Nicaragua.
