ALEXIS ARGUELLO w rtd 8 CORNELIUS BOZA EDWARDS
August 9, 1980; Resorts International, Atlantic City, NJ
THE story goes that Cornelius Boza Edwards was in Las Vegas in the summer of 1980, relaxing by a swimming pool with his manager Mickey Duff, when they were approached by legendary sports-caster Howard Cosell. The conversation would lead to a fight with Alexis Arguello after the Nicaraguan’s original opponent Ruben Castillo was forced to pull out with an injury. Within three days, Edwards and Duff were in Atlantic City and the scrap with Arguello was made. What followed was a bruising beatdown for the Ugandan. Though Edwards was not overawed, everything he tried was countered and punished by the brilliant Arguello before the wise decision was made to withdraw Cornelius after eight.
DID YOU KNOW? The loss taught Edwards more than any of his previous 27 victories. Within seven months he outpointed Rafael Limon to win the WBC super-featherweight title.
WATCH OUT FOR: How Arguello patiently sizes up his southpaw opponent in the opening rounds before applying his own pressure.
