By Mike Burnell: The world lost a boxing legend July 1st 2009. Legendary Alexis Arguello was found dead at age 57 with a gunshot wound to the chest that officials say appears self inflicted.

In a time when many fighters will beat their chest and imply greatness by flashing the spoils of huge contracts and inflated records it makes the loss of Alexis Arguello that more poignant.

Arguello was not a spoiled Olympic prodigy; he is somebody everyone identifies with. He earned his way to boxing legend the way it was done; by fighting the best regardless of the W/L column.

Alexis lost in his pro debut in 1968 to Cahcorro Amaya via 1st round TKO and lost again four fights later to Miguel Espinoza to attain a modest pro record of 3-2. Alexis had the rare perfect storm of patience, passion, personality and persistence that defines a true champion. Through humble hard work and absolute dedication to his craft he worked his way up the proverbial boxing ladder. His passion for greatness finally manifested itself in 1974 dropping the legendary Rubin Olivares ( 77-4-1 ) twice in the 13th round and lifting the WBC Featherweight crown from his swollen brow.

1974 was a great year as he also defeated dominant Bobby Chacon (42-4) via TKO7 for the Super Featherweight Championship and in 1982 he defeated James Busceme for the WBC lightweight title for his third championship.

Alexis’ legendary victories over young Boom Boom Mancini, Boza Edwards, J.L. Rimerez among others and his absolute wars with Aaron Pryor among others further cement his legacy. He retired for good in 1995 with an impressive record of 85-8 (65)

In retirement Arguello struggled with addiction as countless other boxing heros have. His popularity carried him to political office which perhaps was surrogate adoration to the cheers of crowd who love him.

May the cheers for “El Flaco Explosovo” echo for eternity.