Alexis Argüello vs. Billy Costello

Alexis Argüello vs. Billy Costello, billed as A Gentlemen's Disagreement, was a professional boxing match contested on February 9, 1986.^[2]

Three-division boxing champion Alexis Argüello had tearfully announced his retirement following a second loss to Aaron Pryor in September 1983.^[3] However, in July 1985, Argüello returned to a boxing training camp based in New Hampshire with hopes of making a comeback. Though he had not made an official decision yet Argüello mentioned to the New York Times that he felt like "a million bucks".^[4] One month later, Argüello would officially announce his return to boxing. Argüello who reportedly owed the IRS $70,000 in debt, denied he was making a comeback due to his financial problems instead claiming that he was returning to the sport because he "didn't want to get old knowing I could have done it." Argüello and his manager Bill Miller both revealed hopes to face then-WBC super lightweight champion Billy Costello, but Costello would drop the title just ten days later in an upset loss to Lonnie Smith^[5][6] Costello would announce his retirement immediately after the loss, but ended it after only six days, claiming he "couldn't go out a loser" and vowing to "win his title back."^[7]

In late August, Argüello officially returned to boxing after winning a six-round exhibition bout in Lowell, Massachusetts against local fighter Manuel Madera.^[8] Following this, Argüello's first professional fight was announced to take place in Anchorage, Alaska against undefeated prospect Andy Nance on October 5, though it was later postponed until October 25, and Nance was replaced by Pat Jefferson after Nance suffered a cut while training.^[9][10][11] Argüello would win his comeback fight in dominating fashion, knocking out Jefferson in the fifth round after sending him down two other times in the same round.^[12] On December 13, 1985, Costello would win his comeback fight against Rick Kiaser via second-round knockout.

This would lead to Argüello and Costello being matched up against each other on February 9, 1986, at the Lawlor Events Center in Reno, Nevada in what was super lightweight title eliminator bout, though both fighters fought slightly above the super lightweight limit of 140 pounds. Argüello was installed as a 2–1 favorite by oddsmakers.^[13]

Argüello got off to a very poor start as Costello controlled the first three rounds, effectively counterpunching and landing jabs and body shots at will. Costello entered the fourth round having won every round on each of the official judge's scorecards, however, one minute into the round, Costello missed a big right hand that Argüello countered with a big right of his own that caught Costello flush and sent him crashing down to the mat. Costello would answer referee Mills Lane's 10-count and continue the fight, but was clearly dazed from the blow as Argüello rushed in with a frenzied combination while Costello was on the ropes. Costello attempted to fight back but could not defend himself against Argüello's onslaught, causing Lane to step in and stop the fight at 1:42 of the round.^[14][15]

Confirmed bouts:^[16]