On April 19, 1952, 64 years ago today, Andres Alexis Arguello Bohorquez was born in Barrio Monseñor Lezcano, Managua, Nicaragua.

One of the greatest fighters of all time, “El Flaco Explosivo” (“The Explosive Thin Man”) is remembered not only for his championship reigns at featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight, but also for his superb work as Mayor of Nicaragua.

Arguello won the WBA World featherweight title on November 23, 1974, with a 13th round knockout of Ruben Olivares (78-4-1 coming in).

A legendary warrior who never ducked anyone, Arguello fought Royal Kobayashi (18-0) in 1975, Alfredo Escalera (40-7-2) in 1978 and 1979, Rafael Limon (43-9-2) and Bobby Chacon (42-4-1) in 1979, Cornelius Boza-Edwards (27-1) and Jose Luis Ramirez (67-2) in 1980, Jim Watt (38-7), Ray Mancini (20-0) and Roberto Elizondo (23-1) in 1981, and he had two unforgettable fights with Aaron Pryor (31-0) in 1983 and 1983.

When Arguello finally retired in 1995 after 26 years of active duty, a three years after he had been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, his record was 77-8 with 62 KOs.

The compassion he showed for his people, no less than his indomitable fighting heart, reminds us that Alexis Arguello, though no longer with us today, is more alive than ever.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMoidOi-TYg

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.