Remembering the Ernesto Marcel vs . Alexis Arguello Fight

By Boxing News - 02/05/2016 - Comments

By Gerardo Granados: Maybe the readers remember those old bulb TV´s and perhaps you also can remember the black and while on times blurry images. There is a difference in how now TV analysts comment the fights but the old style can easily be recognized by old fight fans.

Back in February 16 of 1974 at the Gimnasio Nuevo, Panama City, Panama; the defending WBA featherweight Champion Panamanian “Ñato” (flat nose) Ernesto Marcel with a record of W39(23)-L4-D2, 5´6” height and 68” reach, successfully defended his title against a young 22 years old contender named Alexis Arguello W31(26)-L3-D0, 5´10” height and 72” reach.

For Marcel it was the fifth defense of his title. Ernesto had stated previous the fight, that he was going to retire after this bout and he kept his promise. Leaving many fight fans wondering if Ruben Olivares would have been able to defeat him. Marcel retired with only 26 years of age and still at the peak of his boxing ability.

Four years before the Arguello fight, Marcel had lost by TKO to a young 19 year old contender named Roberto Duran.

As for Alexis Arguello, well he became the best Nicaraguan boxer of all times. “El flaco explosivo” (the explosive thin man) won the WBA feather title against Ruben Olivares by KO 13/15, became the WBC super featherweight champion defeating Alfredo Escalera by TKO 13/15 and also won the WBC lightweight title against Jim Watt by UD 15/15.

The fight between Marcel and Arguello was really good. If the reader is interested to search for it you won’t feel disappointed. Two old school boxers staying at fighting range using their boxing skills on the attack and defense. No unnecessary holding, running or shutting off the rounds in this bout.

Marcel showed to be the better boxer and clearly won a competitive fight. Arguello failed to take advantage of his longer jab, and constantly dropped his left hand allowing Marcel to land countless straight rights on him.

The best round of the fight was the seventh in which Marcel hurt Arguello, but the young lion kept his composure being able to counter and survive the onslaught.

By the way if, the readers are interested to search for the Marcel vs Arguello fight, then I will strongly suggest you also search for the Bloody Battle of Bayamon between Alfredo Escalera and Alexis Arguello. After all today its Friday and a beer it’s a must.

Maybe young fight fans could be interested to watch the Marcel vs Arguello bout; perhaps you already have seen it. But, do the older fight fans remember the Ernesto Marcel vs Alexis Arguello fight?



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