Former three-division world champion, Alexis Argüello (67-5, 54 KOs), had just captured the WBC lightweight title by defeating Scotland’s Jim Watt. Fearful of his punching power and skill, the Nicaraguan was one of boxing’s most complete champions.
Ray Mancini (20-0, 15 KOs) has been one of boxing’s biggest draws because of his aggressive, do-it-all style and emotional drive. His father, former lightweight contender Lenny “Boom Boom” Mancini, had lost the prime years of his career while serving in World War II and never got a chance at a world title. Ray was determined to win the championship his father never had the chance to fight for, with Lenny watching from ringside after recent heart surgery.
Argüello received a reported purse of $400,000, while Mancini won around $100,000.
Mancini refused to be intimidated by the champion. From the opening bell, he charged forward, throwing combinations to the body and head while refusing to give Argüello any breathing room. Crowded with tall champions and forced exchanges at close range, Mancini’s relentless work rate allowed him to stop most of the opening rounds. Argüello never abandoned his game plan, waiting for Mancini to leave open spaces rather than matching the opponent’s pace.
By the sixth round, the style of the fight had begun to change.
The jab started to catch Mancini before he even went inside, and a straight right quickly followed. Although Mancini continued to press the match, he was still landing clean punches to reach the champion. Argüello gradually controlled the distance, making the smaller fighter work hard in every exchange.
Late in the 12th, he landed a well-timed right hand that dropped Mancini to his knees for the first time he was hit in the fight. The competitor quickly stood up and insisted on continuing despite receiving his heaviest punishment of the night.
The 13th was probably the championship. Argüello hit Mancini repeatedly with sharp combinations as the younger fighter’s work rate began to decline. At one point, Mancini’s manager Dave Wolf reportedly considered calling off the fight before trainer Murphy Griffith convinced him to give his fighter another chance.
Midway through the 14th, Argüello landed a left and right combination before a crushing hook sent Mancini to the canvas for the second time. Referee Tony Perez quickly stopped the fight at 1:44 of the round.
Argüello kissed his young opponent after the fight, reportedly telling him, “Well done,” before fondling Mancini’s hair. Mancini, overcome with emotion after the first defeat of his professional career, embraced his father and later called Argüello “a great hero, just a great champion.”
The loss did not slow Mancini’s rise. Less than a year later, he stopped Arturo Frias to take the WBA lightweight title and became one of boxing’s biggest stars in the early 1980s. Argüello also successfully defended his lightweight title before moving up in pursuit of a fourth world title.
