When junior welterweight newcomer Alexis Argüello landed a straight right to the jaw of a game Kevin Rooney 31 years ago today, the punch proved to be the final link that solidified the memorable 140-pound battle between Argüello and Aaron Pryor. To that point Argüello had cultivated a reputation as one of the great punchers of his generation, but this one was different.
The punch transported Rooney into another place entirely.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UKIxr49G1w
Rooney, a native of Catskill, NY, went into the bout, which was held at Bally’s Park Place Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, with only a stoppage loss to eventual world champ Davey Moore a year earlier. Having fought hard to make the weight, Rooney was well aware of the force he was going up against. More importantly, he knew in boxing circles that he was merely thought of as a steppingstone to bigger paydays.
