Boxing lost a true warrior and gentleman of the ring
when the mayor of Managua, Nicaragua, Alexis Arguello,
died in 2009. To millions in Nicaragua and around the
world, Arguello was an iconic figure, a willing role
model, and a shining light in a nation that places its
sports figures on pedestals. Beloved Warrior explores
the extraordinary rise, fall, and rebirth of this great
fighter. With a career that began in 1968 in Managua,
Arguello overcame early losses, including a knockout in
his debut. He went on to win three world titles, only
relinquishing them by moving up in weight class. While
boxing until 1995 and reaping luxury and fame, Arguello
never forgot his people. Using his skills and power, el
Flaco Explosivo (Explosive Thin Man) earned his lofty
status as one of the most celebrated Latin American
boxers to ever fight. While his devotion to the sport
cannot be challenged, questions about the man still
remain. What happened to Alexis Arguello after he fought
Aaron Pryor, whom many considered the greatest
140-pounder in history? How did Arguello rise from the
streets of Managua to become one of the greatest
fighters in the world?How was he affected by his time
spent fighting against the Sandinistas in Nicaragua? And
finally, what is the story behind his mysterious death
less than eight months after he won Managua's mayoral
election? Despite his notorious losses to Pryor at the
end of his career, Arguello's career as an unforgettable
fighter live on in his fans' memories. As Christian
Giudice illustrates, Arguello's status as a hero both in
and out of the ring will forever remain intact. |
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