Former Rivals Arguello And Pryor To Reunite For Hall Of Fame Weekend

22.03 – Hall of Fame boxers and former ring rivals Alexis Arguello and Aaron "The Hawk" Pryor will reunite in Canastota for the 2003 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend scheduled for June 5-8th.

"Alexis Arguello and Aaron Pryor are forever linked in boxing lore. Their rivalry in the ring and their friendship outside of it are truly special," said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. "It will be an honor for the Hall of Fame to welcome them back to Canastota."

In 1982 and again in 1983, Pryor defended his junior welterweight title against Arguello. Both bouts, won by Pryor in the 14th and 10th rounds respectively, were tremendous battles and many consider them among the finest contests in boxing history.

A native of Managua, Nicaragua, Arguello held the featherweight, super featherweight, and lightweight titles. Known as "The Explosive Thin Man," Arguello compiled an 80-8 (64KOs) record that includes wins over Ruben Olivares, Ray Mancini, and Bobby Chacon. Arguello was elected into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992.

An accomplished amateur, Pryor turned pro in 1976. In 1980 he defeated Hall of Famer Antonio Cervantes for the WBA junior welterweight title and later added the IBF crown to his collection. "The Hawk" retired from the ring in 1990 with an outstanding 39-1 (35KOs) record and was elected into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1996.

The Hall of Fame Weekend will feature over 20 exciting events. Living inductees to be honored include welterweight king Curtis Cokes, 2-time heavyweight champion George Foreman, junior welterweight champion Nicolino Locche, 3-division champion Mike McCallum, journalist Jack Fiske and author/screenwriter Budd Schulberg. Posthumous inductees will also be honored.

Over 50 boxing stars, including Carmen Basilio, Emile Griffith, Ken Buchanan, Earnie Shavers, George Chuvalo, Angelo Dundee, and Marlon Starling are scheduled to participate in weekend festivities.

For more information on the 14th Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095.