WHEN you drive off into the sunset with your world featherweight belt glistening on the dashboard and a beaten Alexis Arguello in your rear view mirror, greatness is surely the next stop.
But Arguello was only 21 years old when Ernesto Marcel defeated him and then retired while still champion. Arguello was yet to cement his own place in history and by the time he did – winning belts in three weight classes – the boxing world had forgotten about Marcel. Justice remains elusive for the Panamanian, who died last week aged 72. He is yet to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Comparing his record to others who have made it to Canastota in recent years suggests Marcel deserves his place in Canastota.