This is the next in my blog series ‘Mythical Matchups’. The bout is between Alexis Arguello and Julio Cesar Chavez at 140 lbs. My imaginary bouts all take place at Caesar’s Palace Outdoor Arena in Las Vegas, with the great Mills Lane as the referee.
Alexis Arguello was born on April 19, 1952 in Managua, Nicaragua. After a difficult childhood, Alexis began an amateur boxing career, and finished with a record of 58-2. As a professional, he amassed an impressive 77 wins against only 8 losses, with 62 of his victories by knockout. He was a three-time world champion, and held the WBA featherweight title from 1974 to 1976. Alexis also won the WBC super featherweight title from 1978 until 1980, and the WBC lightweight crown from 1981 until 1982. The ‘Thin Man’ packed power in both hands, and was a poised and patient assassin in the ring.
Julio Cesar Chavez was born on July 12, 1962 in Sonora, Mexico. He began his amateur boxing career at age 16, and had his first professional bout on July 10, 1981, stopping Bobby Fernandez in 3 rounds. He won his first title on September 13, 1984 by knocking out Mario Martinez at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. Chavez added the lightweight belt to his trophy case on November 21, 1987 by punishing Edwin Rosario, and stopping him in the eleventh round. Julio also won the 140 lb. title twice, before moving up to welterweight. He finished his legendary career with a record of 107-6-2, with 87 knockouts.
As a fighter, Chavez was a murderous body puncher, and had a granite chin. He defeated a long list of champions in his career, and is one of the all-time great Mexican fighters. Julio was also aggressive and intelligent in the ring, and possessed a great boxing IQ.
To me, a bout between Arguello and Chavez would have been a classic. I see Alexis as the aggressor, and landing powerful jabs and right hands to offset Chavez’s attacks. I see Alexis as too strong, and too slick for Chavez, who was a quitter when he didn’t get his way. If you don’t believe me, check out his fights with Franke Randall and Oscar De La Hoya, who both defeated Chavez. There’s no doubt in my mind that either of those fighters could carry Arguello’s jockstrap. In the end, Arguello wins a tough, close unanimous decision.
Unfortunately, Alexis committed suicide on July 1, 2009 in his home. He was inducted in the IBHOF in 1992, and is an all-time boxing legend. Chavez was also inducted in the Hall in 2011, and has a final record that is spectacular. Both greats would have made for an exciting night for fans had they ever actually met, with neither man wanting to concede a backward step.
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