Former boxing champion Alexis Arguello, one of the best junior lightweights to step in the ring, was found dead at his home early Wednesday.
The newspaper El Nuevo Diario reported that Arguello's death appeared to be a suicide.
Presidential spokeswoman Rosario Murillo confirmed Arguello's death and an autopsy was pending. The La Prensa newspaper reported Arguello was found with a gunshot wound to the chest.
"We are upset," said Murillo, who declined to provide details about the death. "This is a heartbreaking announcement. He was the champion of the poor, an example of forgiveness and reconciliation."
Arguello's boxing career began in Managua in the 1960s, and he quickly built up an impressive record and a reputation for knocking out his opponents quickly. His first fight outside Nicaragua was for the WBA featherweight title in 1974, and although he lost that fight, he got a second shot and won the title later that year.
Through the 1970s Arguello was considered one of the best boxers in the world. His most memorable matches of the decade were his two fights with Alfredo Escalera, both of which Arguello won. The first Arguello-Escalara fight, known as the Bloody Battle of Bayamon, took place on January 28, 1978, and ended in the 13th round when Escalara couldn't continue because of cuts. Their rematch took place on February 4, 1979, with Arguello knocking Escalara out, again in the 13th round.
Nobody had ever won titles in four divisions, and Arguello moved up in weight again in November 1982 to challenge junior welterweight king Aaron Pryor in a fight billed as "Battle of the Champions." More than 23,000 fans packed the Orange Bowl in Miami, and the two waged an epic battle in which Pryor knocked out Arguello in the 14th round.
He announced his retirement after losing a fight to Scott Walker in 1995, at the age of 42.
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