In a 1985 Sports Illustrated story, Alexis Arguello told how he had contemplated suicide as an escape from his feelings of betrayal and despair.

Did Alexis Arguello commit suicide?

In a 1985 Sports Illustrated story, Alexis Arguello told how he had contemplated suicide as an escape from his feelings of betrayal and despair.

Now it appears the Nicaraguan boxing legend may have chosen that way out.

Agence France Presse is reporting from Managua, where Arguello was mayor, that local news media are saying he shot himself through the heart early today. AFP also says Nicaraguan TV and radio stations are reporting that Arguello had been suffering bouts of depression.

Americas News notes that Arguello had, at times, suffered from addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Over the weekend Arguello had made an appearance in Puerto Rico at the grave of Roberto Clemente. (It can be seen here on You Tube.) Arguello was commemorating the baseball Hall of Famer who died in an airplane crash while trying to bring earthquake relief supplies to Nicaragua.

Arguello, 57, was WBA featherweight champion from 1974-76, WBC lightwelterweight champion from 1978-80 and WBC lightweight champion from 1981-83. Nicaragua honored him at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, having him carry the nation's flag at opening ceremonies.

Arguello's epic fight was his defeat by TKO in 14 rounds to Aaron Pryor in 1982. Had he won, he would have become the first world champion in four different weight categories. Here's the You Tube of that fight's final rounds.

Comments:
wrote: 34m ago

Alexis was a great fighter. He was so smooth. That coked up punk Pryor should have had his victory over Arguello annulled since it was proven he was fighting while on cocaine.