Alexis Arguello Documentary - Boxing's Legendary Gentleman

A look back at the legendary Alexis Arguello. From his humble beginnings in Nicaragua to his rise as a three-division world champion, Arguello remains one of the classiest boxers to ever lace up the gloves. Included are his battles against Alfredo Escalera, Ray Mancini and Aaron Pryor.

[@ALROSADO-m5w]

I was honored to have met the great Alexis at the copa in NYC. Alexis had class in and out of the ring. RIP champ 🙏

[@christopherbellore3511]

Keep them coming, Rich. You're a great boxing historian. Thank you. R.I.P. A. Arguello ✝🥊🙏

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, Christopher.

[@boost7983]

Alexis Arguello was my favorite boxer, out of many great boxers from the '70s. Always an exciting fighter, never a braggart, a good sport, the epitome of a professional.

[@ChannelZer0]

El Flaco Explosivo was one of the greatest fighters I ever watched growing up. He was straight up "nice" with his hands. He knocked EVERYBODY out. Even though his homeland did him dirty, he was always a class act. A gentleman and a warrior.

[@t9190kp]

WISH I COULD LIKE THIS 100X! MY ALL TIME FAVORITE FIGHTER!!

[@a-bovea-ve-rage]

He hit Aaron Pryor with a right hand so clean so heavy that when I saw he didn't even wobble I immediately came to the conclusion that he must be on ped's..

[@Nada11488]

He was drunk. Pryor was a cocaine addict but also an alcoholic. He used to fight drunk all the time. “The one that I mixed” = 🍸

[@joeyturbo7088]

What the fuck are you talking about? You don't think Alexis ate Habanero Juice to get jazzed up before and during the fight? He cheated too dammit.

[@a-bovea-ve-rage]

@@Nada11488 Panama Louis

[@akashnadar1449]

​@@Nada11488what you said is right, but i dont think pryor cheated he always had tremendous energy, recuperative powers and a solid chin, drugs dont work like a magic spell which energizes you withn seconds, even teddy atlas says he didnt cheat and if you think he cheated this fight, he did the same in the rematch(though arguello wasnt the same) pryor never changed his style he was on him for all 10 rounds it lasted

[@a-bovea-ve-rage]

​@@Nada11488Panama Louis

[@Just_a_Reflection]

The Explosive Thin Man is one of my favorite fighters of All Time. Unfortunately, he was robbed of his legacy by another of my favorite fighters and a brown bottle .

[@stephengeorge3507]

Yep

[@greybushMEproductions]

They fed the Hawk some super juice during the fight

[@Just_a_Reflection]

@@greybushMEproductions It was water and crushed up asthma medication tablets, a common concoction from back-in-the-day in boxing to open up your lungs when you were gassed and had to go fifteen rounds. Panama Lewis was old school and it was hard for him to leave behind the old tricks that everyone had been using in boxing from the very start.

[@geraldfriend256]

@@greybushMEproductionsa lil snowtivation.

[@willcardona7712]

It was revealed years later that the stuff in the bottle was asthma medication. Asthmatics used it to help open up their lungs and breathe normally. It may have indeed aided Pryor in getting his second wind, but I believe he would've gotten it anyway. I think Pryor was a great fighter who had the greatest victory of his career tarnished by a corrupt cornerman in Panama Lewis. Still, it will forever be one of the big "what ifs" of boxing.

[@robbielong2884]

You should be put in the hall of fame for boxing knowledge and how you teach others about fighters . 🙌🏻

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Robbie. I love the sport.

[@skinrule1]

Haven't had time to watch yet, but I know this will be epic

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Michael.

[@himawalincat9350]

The man was my childhood hero. I've met him in 1975 in Japan and years later in LA in July of 1984. Saw him at Hall of fame in Canastota NY in 98 and 99. No one believes he took his own life. He was murdered. His nose bridge was deeply cut like if he was beaten too. ... btw he did not win his very first pro fight. He was stopped in the very first round. He was like a hippie around that time he traveled to Canada and all. He went to Mexico to spar with Rubén Olivares when he was around 16 years old.

[@mortalmanny]

oldest brother showed him how to fight

[@alexisarguellocerdaalvarez2652]

​@@mortalmanny Orlando arguello su hermano mayor

[@bennylevine387]

I was just in the middle of watching his fights again and this comes on lol. A true great. Had such class, both as a fighter and a sportsman. His going through hard times really hit me hard. And you can tell the impact he had just by the way people talk about him. I always felt his son had that same class and always enjoyed the way he would speak of his father. Growing up, he formed the idea within me of what a proper sportsman should be like. Obviously, I never got to his level in any way but whenever I won at anything, I'd address my opponent like Alexis would.

[@epidemika5054]

I met him in Canestoda NY. I had no idea what greatness I was meeting. I was just a child. RIP Alexis.

[@jesusredondobarrena6247]

always a gentleman,always elegant,always a smile.What a warrior!thanks for the almost 2 hours of enjoyment,Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Jesus.

[@jr36831]

I hate him and Duran never got to fight. I rank Arguello Duran and Salvador Sanchez as the greatest Latinos fighters i ever seen in my lifetime.

[@a-bovea-ve-rage]

Me too

[@AnitaBingham-yd2ow]

Indeed they were.

[@davestuddaman8127]

Would've gone very very bad for Alexis I feel

[@t9190kp]

Arguello my ALL TIME FAVORITE FIGHTER but he wasn't beating Duran at 135!

[@t9190kp]

​@davestuddaman8127 Duran too slick.

[@Necroape]

Thanks rich alexis arguello is probably my number one favourite to watch film on

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Necroape.

[@Thonolan000]

Arguello is definitely my favorite fighter of all-time. This brings back a lot of memories.

[@bajaborracho9139]

Andy Ganigan was a straight up badass. The Hawaiian punch was a free swinger with crazy power for a guy with no muscles. I loved his style. Dropped arguello with a straight left hand and could have very easily won the fight there. Arguello got up and boxed andy into a corner and hit him with the hardest body shot i ever saw anybody take. Of course everybody loved Alexis. The classiest boxer ever. Another awesome video rich!😮

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Baja. Agreed on Ganigan, very deceptive in his delivery and was a dangerous guy there in the early 1980s.

[@geraldfriend256]

Awww YEAH. Gonna have to come back when I can focus for two hours. Thanks Rich best boxing history channel ever no close second.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, Gerald.

[@Tonyfitness-vi1go]

These videos are incredible. The work put in to them must be huge and the narration, story, depth of knowledge and filming are second to none. These films should be on television and the real world boxing fans would be forever in your debt. Thankyou

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much for the support, Tony.

[@kmyattjr]

Arguello is one of my favorite fighters. Thanks Rich! Forgotten legend for sure.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Kris.

[@lime455]

In contention for having one of the greatest resumes of all time, in a very competitive Era.

[@vince11harris]

I read his autobiography and man what an inspiration, not only as boxer but as a man💯

[@bostaffterrier7293]

If it wasn't for you my boxing friend these boxing heroes would all be but forgotten in the memories of old boxing diehards but you sir keep these souls alive keep their memories their achievements their wins and losses the ups and downs alive for the younger generations to admire to look up too hopefully aspire too their level because these old school boxers truly are the greatest

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Bostaff.

[@lesteryoung5510]

A great champion inside and outside the ring. I was also mighty impressed by Escelera it was fortunate that he was around so that we got a chance to see the real measure of Aguellos championship qualities something todays crop of champions dont do leaving doubts about how good they really are. There is no doubt however about Aguellos greatness and no need for hype he really was all of that. Thanks Rich for such an entertaining and informative docu. Much appreciated.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Lester. I was impressed by Escalera as well, particularly with his resolve in that second fight.

[@paolomonzio972]

Arguello is in the top 3 of my heart ❤

[@M.P.R.76-ch8rn]

This was a treat a must watch !! 🥊Alexis a humble , skillful boxer with a killer Instinct 🥊👍Rich Salute 🥊💯

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, MPR

[@whatamanhastosay]

Easily one of my favorite boxers. His rivalry against The Hawk still gives me goosebumps.

[@douglaskump5713]

One of my favorites and one of the best!

[@devonbell6795]

I was always struck how Arguello demonstrated that being a warrior AND a gentleman was not mutually exclusive. Another excellent video Rich!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Devon.

[@mahn6563]

I’ve been waiting for someone to crest the documentary on arguello for time and it’s here thank you, this guy is really my favorite fighter of all time and has some of the best fights out there and the best KOs to go along with it.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Mahn.

[@mahn6563]

@@RichtheFightHistorianyou the man rich

[@きばこ-z7j]

Thank you legend.thank you.

[@Rookie_King]

Rich I really appreciate your ability to make these docs when atleast basis as possible

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Rookie King.

[@andrewdevitt9380]

Alexis arguello, a truly exceptional boxer . One of the best offensive fighter's ever in the sport . Superb body puncher . And that right hand absolute dynamite . If it was anyone else than Pryor in that war they'd be starched. Threw everything at him including the kitchen sink . Every single fight of arguello's is a must watch . Pure excitement. What a legend he is. Great documentary.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Andrew.

[@paulazzar8936]

I met Alexis at a golf course in Miami. What a gentleman he was! RIP Alexis.

[@benjonesjournalism]

Great documentary as always Rich, your channel is a big help for me learning more about some of the great fighters of the past. Thanks for the video and hope you know the work you put in to these videos is appreciated!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I appreciate your support, Ben, thank you.

[@jamesdelcol3701]

We loved Alexis Arguello. Fought his heart out. Epic fights with Alexis Arguello.

[@tbolin25]

My three favorite fighters of all time 3. Marvin Hagler 2. Muhammad Ali 1. Alexis Arguello........RIP Grand Champions!!!!

[@JimHickeyMusicLessons]

Thank you this was really well done!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Jim.

[@ngabushallday6642]

He was so gifted, so measured, so precise. RIP Champion.

[@robinjones477]

What a champion. What a human being. A one of a kind, truly.

[@nyquil762]

Thank you for another epic video.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, nyquil.

[@anthonytripp2251]

He was close to perfect as a boxer, just couldn't beat Pryor at his peak. He reminded me of Salvador Sanchez. Rich, another great video. Thank you

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Anthony, thank you.

[@ryangorda3546]

This was fantastic, the work you put into these is unreal, The Explosive Thin Man, what a finisher.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, Ryan.

[@thecoolcreativebuildchanne2613]

Great video! I absolutely loved watching this great documentary on Alexis Arguello! I always used to watch his fights. 🥊🥊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much.

[@toddschulz2807]

Thanks Rich. Arguello a classy and respected champion. One of my favorite fighters of his era. He should of won that first Pryor fight, who knows what went on in that one.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Todd.

[@GTSpeac]

One of the greats that I know little about. I am really looking forward to this one. Thanks for the hard work Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Always a pleasure, Mehdi.

[@derrickmccombs6818]

Alexis and Aaron=CHAMPIONS ETERNALLY

[@eyeman03]

Thanks Rich for a great vid on Arguello. He was my favorite fighter growing up. I’ll always remember being in Marine Corps boot camp in Nov 1982, and reading Boxing News (sent by Mom….thx Ma!) that Arguello lost. I was stunned, but what a great fight.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, eyeman03.

[@MrT-ev4dq]

Massive thank you for this Rich. My favourite fighter. 👊👊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Always a pleasure, Mr T

[@chriso1585]

Another great documentary, I knew of his problems before he had to leave his country but not as much detail as you go into, I was lucky enough to buy a signed glove by him, Olivares, Pryor and two others for $25 on eBay which I proudly display in my living room. Thanks for your efforts.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Chris. Cool collector's item you have there.

[@chriso1585]

@@RichtheFightHistorian my collection got out of control a bit last year, mainly 1900’s-20’s I spent so much money on signed pictures and signed rare books that it was becoming an addiction. Glad now though I have managed it. Thanks

[@bulletproof890]

Great job Rich. This was one of your best documentary videos. Thank you.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Bulletproof.

[@ericrecano8557]

Arguello is one of the greatest fighters ever…thank u for this Rich the Fight Historian. Again proving why you are one of the best and underrated boxing channels ever. Arguello to me was literally a lower weight class Joe Louis. A classic style with methodical footwork but when the opportunity presented itself could turn your lights out in annn Nj instant. A boxing trainers dream.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Eric. I agree, Arguello had similar punching mechanics to Joe Louis.

[@Ren_Brands]

Great Video about a incredible Fghter. R.I.P. Alexis Arguello.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Ren.

[@patrickverona387]

A knockout as always Rich. Such an incredible career and life that he had. Now one thing to add. People talk about fantasy fights and here’s one. Assuming he didn’t get murdered by his girlfriend and had beaten Escalera in the rematch. Tyrone Everett VS Alexis Arguello. That would have been one hell of a fight. Considering that Arguello was outbox by Vilomar Fernandez in their first fight. You could see Everett out slicing Arguello over the coarse of the distance but you can also see Alexis breaking him down and stopping him late. It’s a shame that this fight never took place. Thanks again for another great episode Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Patrick. Your fantasy fight is an interesting one...Wouldn't be surprised if Everett squeaked out a decision win in that one as his strengths were Arguello's weaknesses.

[@troofseeker5173]

Rich, I just love your documentaries. Thanks for all you do.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I appreciate your support, thank you.

[@AHMAD-2324]

Alexis Arguello was truly something SPECIAL!!! R.I.P. to a LEGEND 🥊🕊🕊🕊

[@biglex785]

It’s a true honor to be named after the champ! R.I.P. to him and my father.

[@robertmulherine8195]

I was waiting for you to cover Arguello! Thank you Rich 🙌

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Robert.

[@robertmulherine8195]

@@RichtheFightHistorian 🙌😀

[@towers950]

lots of work as usual Rich! much appreciated great documentary of a true champion and a good man. cheers buddy.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, Kim.

[@brianbattaglia2187]

can’t wait to watch, Pryor v Arguello 1 my 3rd fav fight of all time. Thanks Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Brian.

[@alejandro-h8z]

The immortal Alexis Arguello a boxing legend one of the best fighters of All Time pure dynamite in both hands The Explosive Thin Man the gentleman of the ring.

[@emokellen]

You've done it again, Rich! You're are the best of the best on all the internet. Keep the "hits" coming, Champ!🥊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, emokellen, will do.

[@BullyWebz]

I met Alexis Arguello at a Lite Beer from Miller media event. He was as classy and humble as a person could be. RIP Champ

[@bh1422]

Arguello's right cross and right uppercut to the solar plexus was murderous!!!!! 👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽❤️❤️❤️

[@LBG-cf8gu]

RtFH never disappoints. keep 'em coming & thanks

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, LBG

[@woflmanjoe642]

Thank you for this outstanding look back at one of the game's most unheralded all-time greats. It's a shame that when one says the name, Alexis Arguello, the response is often a talk about the first Pryor fight and "the other bottle, the one that I mixed". El Flaco Explosivo was so much more than that one fight and his resume takes a back seat to no one's. While that 1982 war was one of the best fights ever recorded, as well a one of the most controversial, thanks to Panama Lewis, it was also towards the end of Alex's career and four divisions north of where he started. It's a shame he and Duran never crossed paths; but even without that fight, he was great, and one of the classiest men to ever lace up boxing gloves. Curious, though.... I knew he had committed suicide; but was unaware of the circumstances surrounding it. Was there any controversy or doubt concerning his official cause of death? The timing just seems so weird. Thank you.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Wolfmanjoe. There didn't seem to be too much controversy at the time. Arguello's death occurred ten days before Arturo Gatti's alleged suicide so perhaps his story cycled out prematurely.

[@2383Scorpio]

Good job Rich on uploading about the "Explosive Thin Man". The boxing fans should know that Arguello ended the career of former Featherweight champion Jose Legra by knocking him out in 1 round. Btw, did you caught Howard Cossell botching the division that Arguello was the defending Super Bantamweight Champion which he botched it 3 times after Arguello's title defense against Ruben Castillo, but Arguello was actually defended his Super Featherweight title and we wished that they were both alive, so Arguello should have factcheck Cossell's wrong boxing division title. Arguello was one of the truly greats in the ring not just Latin, but all over the world too. Anyways, keep it up Rich.

[@THISISLolesh]

Been waiting, loved it

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, DK9

[@DonRickyBaby]

One of the most resilient champs. I remember him from my grade school days.

[@robertquinsey9969]

An epic....great job rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, Robert.

[@Camcolito]

Incredible documentaries man.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, MD

[@frenchgoldenboyfan]

One of my absolute favourite ! I love him.. Thank you so much for this one Rich...

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Always a pleasure, frenchgoldenboyfan.

[@abudujana13]

Thanks for the video, RICH THE FIGHT HISTORIAN

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, abudujana.

[@cycletouringoz5760]

Another Great Doco by RTFH Simply put ? A True All Time Great Fighter That second Escalera fight, Arguello was 3 points up at the time of the stoppage. That is how close that fight was until ……..💥BOOM💥 RIP Champ

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, CTO.

[@julioguzman3687]

OMG! Helllllll yessss thank you.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Julio.

[@risboturbide9396]

My week-end starting with a Rich video... Life is good, sometimes. Merci beaucoup, Rich 🍻

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Right on, Risbo, thanks.

[@CluedUp23]

This is one of the best put together documentaries I've ever watched. The passion and attention to detail is evident. You really deserve a job in a major organisation. Kudos 👏🏾

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, CluedUp

[@petierican6079]

Rich one of my favorites growing up sad on his passing but politics are very dangerous RIP...champ Alex never forgotten rich thanks for this one❤👑👍💯🔥👍..the explosive thin man

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Petie.

[@mjk5174]

Wow I never knew aguelo beat chacon that's crazy good work!

[@reycesarcarino4653]

Boxing's Gentleman

[@jasonprobst]

Rich, you are awesome. I edited the book on Barney Ross and also another on Ali, and you ALWAYS hit the critical details. Love you brother.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Jason.

[@PhillipGonzalez-r7z]

He was my hero when I was 17 I miss him,I looked alot like him,I wanted to be like him,he was a champion in the ring and I became a champion in life and still fighting. 😢

[@giorgiocosentino509]

Such a sad end. RIP, champ.

[@matthewmedeiros5832]

Love arguello a great fighter and more importantly a great human being

[@brianseneca3546]

GREAT ONE Rich! I was waiting to hear how you explained his death. I remember being shocked when reading about it in the Ring. He was one of my favorite fighters and I was very upset. I didnt know about his drug use at that point, but shortly afterwards I heard rumors that he was in fact murdered by the government of Nicaragua. I mean most people dont shoot themselves in the chest do they? The first Pryor fight still gives me chills and I will never understand how Pryor took that right hand in the 13th. I dont put a lot of stock in the "black bottle" theory, preferring to give Aaron his just due in the victory. Being who he was it had to be Pryor because he was THE champion, but Alex could have taken on Mamby or Bruce Curry and secured that elusive 4th title rather than going to war with Pryor. But that was the easy way out and that wasnt Alexis Arguello

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Brian. Yeah, Arguello could have taken the path of least resistance for that fourth belt but that's not who he was.

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the amazing video Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, John.

[@willwalsh3436]

Agruello vs Pryor I is one of the fights I'll never forget. I was a fan of both men, but there is something about Arguello that is very moving. He was not a perfect man, but I think he was a very good one. The Hawk was a force, but you have to wonder about his greatest victory. It's hard not to conclude he was revived by the bottle Lewis mixed.

[@caikammermayer]

Danke!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Cai!

[@Riles3152]

How does a man so vicious in the ring, be such a GENUINE gentlemen out side of it? If he would have had a Roberto Duran mentality, He would of possibly killed men in the ring. Such an outstanding, historically great fighter.

[@mmarioescareno]

Another tremendous doc

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Mario.

[@mmarioescareno]

@@RichtheFightHistorian I couldn’t help but notice the EPO like stamina and intensity late in the rounds. And then I see Panama Lewis tell the cornerman give me the other bottle, the one I mixed” stimulants are not talked about enough as PEDs

[@brettpaterson8042]

Thank you for a feature length video Rich of a true great champion, a true professional at his chosen sport. One of my all time favourite boxers, Such a sad ending to his life though. I have never realised the fact he could fought Duran. Super footage as well Rich, great work.🥊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, Brett.

[@troofseeker5173]

Thanks!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, Troof Seeker.

[@김푸우-b2g]

My favorite boxer

[@thomaskendell8146]

Yes Rich! I love that you have done Argüello, my favourite fighter is his protege Chocolatito Gonzalez I wish I was old enough to have seen Argüello fight that's why I love these docs 👏👏

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Thomas. Yes, I came across quite a few pics of Arguello with Chocolatito in researching this.

[@dannyburch4973]

Ahhh,the 80s remember Alexis well, great fighter R.I.P. Champ

[@dondenson3542]

Awesome!

[@joeyturbo7088]

Alexis beat argueably the best p4p fighter ever from Northeast Ohio where I grew up { Ray " Boom, Boom " Mancini) and gave Aaron Pryor a run for his money twice. He's one of the most technically sound fighters that ever lived and great champion. I noticed this is one of your longest videos Rich and for good reason. Lots of great content here💪💪💪💪

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Joey. Yeah, I can only condense Arguello's story so much. It certainly could be a mini-series.

[@benjaminnavarro4324]

I am a subscriber & thank your for this wonderful tribute to one of my favorite fighters the great Arguello!!! Your video & narration are always superb!!👊😏👍

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I appreciate that, Benjamin, thanks so much.

[@thegreenlawchannel5740]

Thank you. I have been waiting for this one!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, thegreenlawchannel.

[@alexm7140]

I had watched this near to the end but hadn’t finished it I think because I hated the ending losing to Scott walker then taking his own life. I met buddy mcgirt today and he was saying how impressed he was watching this so I just finished it, again what a story I really do enjoy your videos always great viewing and some of the footage you source is priceless along with the production, well done as always!! 👏

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks very much, Alex.

[@euclideszoto997]

Ray Mancini was the only fighter who had the courage to fight Arguello for the Lightweight title. In those days all the lightweights were afraid of him.