Alexis Arguello was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992.
Managua, Nicaragua (Sports Network) -
Former junior lightweight champion Alexis Arguello was found dead at his home early Wednesday.
Nicaraguan presidential spokeswoman Rosario Murillo confirmed Arguello's death while the La Prensa newspaper stated Arguello was found with a gunshot wound to the chest.
The 57-year-old Arguello, who was elected mayor of Managua last year, retired in 1995 after several comebacks with a record of 82-8, which included 65 knockouts.
Known as "The Explosive Thin Man," Arguello was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992.
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Mourning Alexis Arguello: A ring legend gone too soon
By Lyle Fitzsimmons, Boxing Contributing Editor
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) -
Try as I might, I can't be as eloquent as my colleagues in this business when it comes to expressing genuine sorrow over the passing of former three-division champion Alexis Arguello, who was found dead in his Nicaraguan home on Wednesday.
Suffice it to say, though, that one of my truest athletic heroes is gone.
As anyone in my age group can attest, Arguello was a boxing staple of Saturday afternoons in the final chapter of his storied career, dominating the lightweight division with a cool brilliance before trying -- unsuccessfully -- to become a four-division champion five pounds north.
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