Going 10 with Alexis Arguello

By staff writer

Hi Alexis
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in our “Going 10” series of interviews.

1. How do you feel the standard of Boxing is today as opposed to when you were fighting?
It Sucks!!! There is no comparison as to the quality of the old days. To be a champ you had to rip everyones head of. There where only 2 world organizations before. The reduction from 15 to 12 rounds has influenced in more poorly trained boxers.

2. Do you feel you would have been a dominant force in today’s boxing world?
Shit yes!!. I would be the Mike Tyson of all the three weight divisions I fought in. (Laughs out loud)

3. How do you feel about the current state of Nicaraguan boxing and is there anything you would like to see improve?
The state of boxing in Nicaragua is improving. There are many good ranked fighters in Nicaragua. I would like however to see them improve technically and physically. There is a long road ahead of us but we are heading in the right direction.

4. Who are your all time top five fighters?
Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler and Sugar Ray Leonard where in my opinion the best fighters all time. Carlos Monzon was a beast and deserves to be somewhere up there.

5. How do you feel about the state of judging, and what improvements do you think could be made to avoid some of the absurd results we continually see?
Judges should put more attention to the boxing event they are supposed to be watching. There are too many distractions going on around the ring such as famous people in the crowds, ring girls, music, etc. They need to concentrate more on the actual fight.

6. What would you say was the biggest disappointment in your career?
Pryor. I wanted that fourth crown so bad that I could almost taste it but he was a better fighter on those two days. On Sunday I would have killed him!! (Laughs out loud)

7. What would you say was the highest moment of your career?
There were 3 high moments each time I won a title.

8. If you were fighting today, who would be your dream match-up and why?
No one. They all suck!!! (Laughs out loud again). None of them could be sparring partners in my division. But seriously, that Jorge Linares kid looks very good. I like him.

9. So many good young boxers today switch to high profile trainers often with disastrous results, is this something you would recommend?
The profile does not matter. What matters is hard work in the gym and how much determination and heart the fighter has. If you want to eat fish you have to get your ass wet. (laughs out loud again and high fives the interviewer)

10. Looking back on your career is there anything you would have done different.
Nothing. I am happy with I accomplished. I thank God for allowing me to be so successful. Few people have enjoyed more success than I and I really appreciate what the sport of boxing has done for me. This success in turn will help me win my election for Mayor of Managua this coming November.

Thank you