AARON ‘THE HAWK’ PRYOR DIES AT 60


GRIM

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Pryor’s death was first reported by WCPO 9 in Cincinnati, with a long battle with heart disease listed as the cause. The news was confirmed to THE RING by his wife, Frankie Pryor, who added that a family statement would be made through Associated Press.

Pryor turned pro after missing the 1976 U.S. Olympic squad following a loss to Howard Davis Jr. and won his first 24 fights before facing Antonio “Kid Pambalay” Cervantes for the WBA junior welterweight title. Pryor, aggressive from the start, as was his trademark approach, wound his arm threateningly after he was knocked down briefly in Round 1. Pryor came back to knock Cervantes out in Round 4 to win the title.

Pryor went on to make 10 successful title defenses of the 140-pound crown, but none was more memorable than his 1982 showdown with Alexis Arguello. Arguello, a three-division champion and popular TV attraction, was favored to win a title in a fourth weight class before Pryor wore him down late and forced a referee stoppage with a devastating combination of right hands along the ropes.

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