MANAGUA, Nicaragua — Alexis Arguello, who fought in one of boxing's most classic brawls and reigned supreme at 130 pounds, was found dead at his home early Wednesday.
Coroners were conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Sandanista Party's Radio Ya and other local media were reporting it appeared to be a suicide. The La Prensa newspaper reported that Arguello was found with a gunshot wound to the chest.
The 57-year-old Arguello retired in 1995 with a record of 82-8 with 65 knockouts and was a champion in three weight divisions. He was perhaps best known for two thrilling battles with Aaron Pryor.
AUTO RACING
Judge allows Mayfield to race
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two months after a positive drug test for methamphetamines, Jeremy Mayfield is getting ready to return to NASCAR.
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U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen on Wednesday issued a temporary injunction to allow the driver to get back behind the wheel at Daytona International Speedway this weekend.
"This is huge for us," Mayfield said. "This means more to me probably than any race I've ever won or anything."
Concluding the "likelihood of a false positive in this case is quite substantial," Mullen said as he ruled in Mayfield's favor after about two hours of arguments.
NHL
Blackhawks sign Hossa
CHICAGO — The Chicago Blackhawks signed star forward Marian Hossa away from the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday with a 12-year, $62.8 million contract as the NHL free agent season opened for business.
• The New York Rangers signed Marian Gaborik, who scored a career-high 42 goals in the 2007-08 season with the Minnesota Wild.
• The Edmonton Oilers signed goalie Nikolai Khabibulin to a four-year deal.
• The Phoenix Coyotes signed free agent goalie Jason LaBarbera to a two-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mercury holds off Storm
PHOENIX — Cappie Pondexter had 22 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, and Diana Taurasi added 22 points and blocked four shots to help the Phoenix Mercury beat the Seattle Storm 93-81 on Wednesday night.
The Mercury scored the first 11 points of the second half after trailing 50-47 at the break and then held off a late Seattle charge with an 11-point run in the fourth quarter.
• Lino Garcia opened the ninth inning with a homer to help the Tucson Toros end a five-game losing streak and defeat the Victoria Seals 2-1 on Wednesday in Victoria, British Columbia.
• Kobe Bryant insisted his contract status wouldn't be an issue, and he was right. On Wednesday, Bryant chose not to terminate the final two years of his contract and will remain with the Los Angeles Lakers.
• Forward Ron Artest's agent David Bauman said Wednesday that his client would like to return to Houston, but Artest would also think about signing with a contending team — and that might rule out the Rockets if Yao Ming's broken left foot keeps him out for the season.
Lloyd to get clarity on Arizona basketball future this week | Greg Hansen
