Alexis Arguello Found Dead

Former boxing champ Alexis Arguello has been found dead in his home early Wednesday morning.

Presidential spokeswoman Rosario Murillo confirmed Arguello’s death. An autopsy is now pending.

Arguello was reportedly 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.”

The 57-year-old Arguello, who was elected mayor of Managua last year, retired after several comebacks in 1995 with a record of 82-8 with 65 knockouts. Nicknamed “The Explosive Thin Man,” Arguello was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992.