Alexis Arguello’s 1979 title defense showcased a masterclass in persistence, accuracy, and tenacity inside the boxing ring.
The Nicaraguan fighter enjoyed an incredible 27-year career, which saw Alexis Arguello win world titles in three weight classes, challenging for a fourth late in his career.
He is one of the greatest punchers of all time, conquering countless opponents during his iconic reign as WBC Super Featherweight champion in the 1970s and 1980s.
One of his most impressive wins wasn’t a flashy knockout, but a dogged performance that saw him target a cut on his opponent’s head and use that to win the fight, ten rounds later.
Alexis Arguello forced the referee to stop his fight against Rafael Limon in the 11th round
Arguello had established himself as an intelligent boxer by 1979. His right hand, known for its incredible accuracy, had helped him beat Alfredo Escalera to become the WBC Super Featherweight champion the year prior.
The fight on July 8, 1979, was all Arguello, who dominated Limon throughout the 11 rounds. He specifically targeted a cut that opened up above Limon’s right eye just two minutes into the fight, jabbing it with tremendous accuracy all through the fight.
Arguello was virtually unscathed all through the fight, barely getting hit as he relentlessly pursued his foe, chasing him around the ring with boundless energy.
While Limon claimed that Arguello was headbutting him, the referee took no notice and let the fight continue. “Bazooka” impressively lasted 11 rounds until things became too much for him to continue.
Arguello’s sniper-like accuracy in his right hand kept finding its mark, and the gash above Limon’s eye became bigger and bigger. By the 11th round, the referee had had enough and ended the fight for Limon’s safety, despite claims that he was not hurt at all from the assault.
The Nicaraguan retained his title with a smart and impressive win, although his life would take an odd turn once he retired from boxing.
After retiring from boxing, Alexis Arguello fought with the Contras in Nicaragua
As if his boxing career wasn’t impressive enough, Arguello swapped the ring for the jungle in his country’s fight against communism in the 1980s.
While he was fighting Limon in 1979, the Nicaraguan Revolution was happening, with the Marxist Sandinista National Liberation Front and the Junta of National Reconstruction coming to power in the vacuum left.
The Contras fought against the regime, using guerrilla tactics and flagrant abuses of human rights to fight the military of the country and try to topple the regime.
Arguello moved back to his native Nicaragua in 1983 after his loss to Aaron Pryor and joined the Contras, helping them in their fight.
However, he would eventually return to the US and to boxing, fighting again in 1985 and 1986, as well as a second return a decade later.