Aaron “Hawk” Pryor died of heart disease. He was 60. The man who exhibited some much heart in the ring succumbed to his own. In honor of the Hall of Famer, Mook takes a look back at his incredible victory over Alexis Arguello
On a steamy night in Miami, Alexis Arguello and Aaron Pryor faced off in a fight for Pryor’s championship belt. Alexis Arguello was my favorite fighter growing up. Admittedly, I knew very little about Pryor except for my Uncle telling me that he was a “bad boy” and warning me that Arguello could be in for a long night. Arguello came into the fight a 16-5 favorite and many thought he would walk out of the ring with a victory.
The opening bell sounded and Pryor came out of the gates smoking. He was known for trying to get off to very fast starts. He hit Arguello with blistering combinations that would make the toughest person cringe. How could Arguello withstand the punishing blows and blazing speed? For as much hype as the beginning of Hagler-Hearns received this first round was every bit of exciting because it was a high level of boxing.
Most observers had Pryor with the early lead. Smothering Arguello with his relentless pressure. Both fighters refusing to back down. As the fight went on Arguello started gaining success and you had the feeling that he would pull through in a tough yet expected victory. But, as we moved to the Championship rounds, it seemed like Pryor got a mysterious burst of energy. Was it the black bottle that corner-man Panama Lewis insisted on Pryor having? What exactly was it? Why did Lewis keep referring to the bottle as the “one I mixed”?
Whatever it was helped Pryor gain a much needed burst of energy that helped him land over 20 unanswered punches before referee Stanley Christodoulou stopped the fight as Arguello slumped to the canvas.
Pryor finally had his moment. He had finally made it from the mean streets of Cincinnati to getting a career defining victory. It couldn’t be taken away from him. Not Sugar Ray Leonard, who was at ringside calling the fight, ducking him could take the shine off of his 14th round TKO. Nothing. Or so Pryor thought.
Instead of gaining the fame and all that goes with it, the focus was on the black bottle and its contents. Suddenly it wasn’t a crowning moment anymore. Pryor reacted the only he knew how. He gave Arguello a rematch.
The second Arguello contest wasn’t the classic the first one was. Pryor dominated the second fight winning in the 10th round by KO. That proved to be the pinnacle of Pryor’s career that was marred by an eye injury and drug abuse.
Just like a shooting star, we saw something quick and awe inspiring that night. Pryor had his brilliance and resilience on full display.
Rest easy Aaron and when we talk about the greatest nights in boxing may we remember you as a “bad boy”.
