CANASTOTA, NY – MAY 21, 2008 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today former ring rivals Alexis Arguello and Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor will reunite in Canastota for festivities planned for the 19th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend set for June 5-8th. In 1982 and 1983, the Hall of Famers met in two pitched battles for Pryor’s junior welterweight championship, with Pryor registering kayo wins in the 14th and 10th round respectively..
“Arguello and Pryor engaged in one of boxing’s greatest ring rivalries,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “Boxing fans always enjoy recalling their two battles with them when they’re here in Canastota.”
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 included wins over Ruben Olivares, Ray Mancini, and Bobby Chacon. Arguello was elected to the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992.
Boxing out of Cincinnati, OH, Pryor reigned as junior welterweight champion from 1980 to 1985. Pryor’s professional record reads 39-1 (35KOs) and includes wins over Gaetan Hart, Alfonso Frazer, Lennox Blackmoore and Hall of Famers Arguello and Antonio Cervantes. In 1996 he was elected to the Hall of Fame.
The June 5-8th Hall of Fame Induction Weekend will feature over 20 exciting events including a banquet, parade, golf tournament, cocktail party, and the official induction ceremony honoring the Class of 2008. Living inductees to be honored at the Official Induction Ceremony on Sunday, June 8th are heavyweight champion Larry Holmes, junior welterweight champion Eddie Perkins, promoters Mogens Palle and Frank Warren and journalists Dave Anderson and Joe Koizumi. Posthumous inductees will also be honored.
Over 50 boxing stars are scheduled to participate in weekend festivities.
For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 19th Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095 or visit www.ibhof.com.