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LIGHTWEIGHT DREAM FIGHT: Alexis Arguello-vs-Ismael Laguna

posted by Kathleen Holland on August 22, 2007, in Features

Ismael Laguna was one of the best pure boxers the lightweight division
has seen in the last forty years. Only Pernell Whitaker, Howard Davis, and
Hall of Famer Ken Buchanan can compare. To win his first title Ismael out
boxed another Hall of Famer, Carlos Ortiz. Ortiz would then outmuscle Laguna
in winning two subsequent rematches. Five years later Ismael would regain
the title by beating the talented Mando Ramos. He would then lose twice to
Buchanan ending his long career. In 75 bouts against many of the worlds best
including Vincente Saldivar and Guts Suzuki, Ismael was never stopped. His
final record was 65-9-1 with 37 knockouts.

It is no secret the Alexis always had trouble with mobile boxers. Clever
but light hitting Vilomar Fernandez gave him fits. Laguna would give Alexis
a lot of angles. Arguello was usually a slow starter and Ismael was a very
good counter puncher. Laguna was not a hard hitter but he was a sharp and
accurate puncher. It is highly conceivable that Laguna would jump out to an
early lead. Laguna's jab would get in more often but Arguello's would carry
much more sting. Whenever possible Alexis would try to work the body. This
would probably be the key for an Arguello victory. As the bout progressed
Arguello's body attack would slow Laguna down. Remember this would be a
fifteen round fight. By the later rounds Alexis would begin to land some
telling head shots. Laguna would be hurt but he would smartly evade Arguello's
attempts to finish him. Occasionally Ismael would score with light but
flashy combinations but mostly he would be forced to box defensively. The
decision would be close but Arguello's power and his late surge would carry
him to a unanimous decision. Now I wonder how Alexis would have done against
the "other" champ from Panama, Roberto Duran.

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