The Boxer Who Drank A Mysterious Potion And Then Won By Knockout!

The story of Aaron Pryor and Alexis Arguello's infamous fight on November 12, 1982, is shrouded in mystery and controversy, largely due to the "black bottle" incident. Pryor, a dynamic and aggressive fighter, was facing Arguello, a highly respected and skilled boxer, in a bout that promised excitement and intense competition.



As the fight progressed, both boxers displayed remarkable skill and determination. The turning point came between the 13th and 14th rounds. During a break, Pryor's trainer, Panama Lewis, was heard requesting a specific bottle, referred to as "the one I mixed." Pryor then drank from this black bottle, and when he returned to the ring, his energy seemed to surge inexplicably.



Pryor launched a relentless assault on Arguello in the 14th round, ultimately knocking him out and securing a dramatic victory. The nature of the bottle's contents became a subject of speculation and controversy. Some suspected it contained illegal stimulants, though this was never proven. The lack of concrete evidence meant no official action was taken against Pryor or his team.



Pryor's trainer Panama Lewis later lost his license for removing padding from Luis Resto's gloves before his fight with Billy Collins Jr. In a 2009 documentary, Luis Resto, a former boxer trained by Panama Lewis, disclosed that Lewis used to break apart antihistamine pills and mix the medicine into his water. This practice reportedly enhanced his lung capacity during the later rounds of a fight. Resto's revelation sparked further speculation about whether Lewis had introduced an unauthorized substance into Pryor's water during his bout with Arguello.



The incident added an aura of intrigue to what was already a legendary fight, leading to years of debate and discussion among boxing fans and historians. Despite the controversy, Pryor's victory and the dramatic nature of the fight cemented its place in boxing history.