Goodfellas
07-01-2009, 12:13 PM
MANAGUA, Nicaragua (AP) -- Former boxing champion Alexis Arguello, considered one of the best lightweights to step in the ring, has been found dead.
Presidential spokeswoman Rosario Murillo confirmed Arguello's death early Wednesday.
The 57-year-old Arguello was elected mayor of Managua last year. He turned pro in 1968 and won his first title by knocking out Ruben Olivares for the featherweight crown. He later captured the super featherweight and lightweight belts, becoming the sixth boxer to win titles in three weight classes.
He retired in 1995 with a record of 82-8 with 65 knockouts, and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992.
His Sandinista party's Radio Ya said coroners are conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Presidential spokeswoman Rosario Murillo confirmed Arguello's death early Wednesday.
The 57-year-old Arguello was elected mayor of Managua last year. He turned pro in 1968 and won his first title by knocking out Ruben Olivares for the featherweight crown. He later captured the super featherweight and lightweight belts, becoming the sixth boxer to win titles in three weight classes.
He retired in 1995 with a record of 82-8 with 65 knockouts, and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992.
His Sandinista party's Radio Ya said coroners are conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death.