Aaron Pryor defeated Alexis Arguello by 10th-round knockout on September 9, 1983, at Caesars Palace to retain his WBA light-welterweight title. The decisive rematch removed lingering doubts from their controversial first fight and halted Arguello’s historic fourth division title bid.
Pryor entered the Las Vegas ring seeking a clear outcome following their classic first meeting in November 1982. That initial bout ended in a 14th-round stoppage for Pryor, but the result was clouded when television microphones caught trainer Panama Lewis asking for “the other bottle, the one I mixed.” Pryor’s team claimed the mixture contained peppermint schnapps and water to settle his stomach, but the lack of post-fight drug testing left persistent questions surrounding the victory.
The rematch saw significant corner adjustments for both fighters. Arguello dismissed legendary trainer Eddie Futch in favour of Lupe Sanchez, a corner decision he later called “the biggest mistake of my life.” Meanwhile, Pryor hired Emanuel Steward just two weeks before fight night. Steward focused on directing Pryor’s aggression to disrupt Arguello’s measured jab and right hand.
Pryor struck almost immediately. A straight right hand sent Arguello to the canvas just 38 seconds into the opening round.
That early knockdown altered the terms of the fight. Arguello could no longer settle into his rhythm against a naturally stronger, younger opponent at 140 pounds. Pryor swarmed forward from unorthodox angles, landing fast combinations before the challenger could set his stance. A series of hooks dropped Arguello again in the fourth round, though he fought back through the middle rounds by attacking Pryor’s body. His progress stalled in the eighth round when referee Richard Steele deducted a point for low strikes, limiting Arguello’s effectiveness on the inside.
Pryor led on all three scorecards (86-83, 87-82, and 85-83) entering the 10th round. The champion then overwhelmed Arguello with another barrage, dropping him for the final time. Arguello remained seated as Steele counted him out at 1:48, bringing Pryor’s record to 34-0 with his eighth successful title defense and settling the rivalry definitively.
