Boxer, Friend, and Hero – Why Alexis Still Matters: An Interview with Nicaraguan Lizelotte Green

1) Inside the ring, what is the one memory that sticks with you regarding Alexis’s career?

It isn’t a secret that Alexis was known as “El Flaco Explosivo”, which translates to the Explosive Thin Man. When I think of his fights, I think of that long, lanky yet strong fighter, who hit with deadly precision. Nevertheless, what sticks the most was his reaction after his fights. He was never arrogant, he was never proud, he would always reach out to his fighters (especially after being victorious) and would console them or congratulate them on a great bout. That in itself described Alexis’s entire persona.

2) Outside the ring, did you view him as a man of his people or was he more detached as a public figure?

Alexis was without a single doubt, a man of his people. Perhaps I am biased when I say this since I am Nicaraguan myself, but Alexis was always loved, welcomed and admired. Although, I do have to admit most Nicaraguans were rather confused when we saw him get involved with the Sandinistas.

3) What were your concerns as soon as you heard that Alexis reunited with Ortega?

It was sort of a shock and a cause of confusion. I think everybody knew about their past, well not Argüello being involved with Ortega directly, but he had to flee Nicaragua in the 80s because they took everything from him. I didn’t know what to expect and I was afraid that he would just become like most other politicians – corrupt and greedy.

4) When he became mayor, did you legitimately believe he would be given the capability to do something positive?

After it settled in that the great Alexis was going to be dealing with the Sandinistas, I realized that the only way he would have accepted the position was if he was given the possibility to help people. However, he was vice-mayor first and he didn’t get to accomplish much when he held the position. Thus, I didn’t think it would be that much different having him as mayor.

5) Or, from the beginning, did you see him as merely a figurehead? Therefore, men like Fidel Moreno would be making the real decisions?

When he got elected as Mayor, yes, it was somewhat clear he wouldn’t have much power. I think they used him because of his positive and gentle image, he came from humble beginnings and they knew that would appeal to people.

6) How did Nicaragua receive Alexis when he returned from “exile” in 1990? Are you old enough to recall that moment?

I was still very young when that happened. However, as I understand it, upon his return in 1992 the government [with Violeta Barrios de Chamorro as President] received him with open arms and helped him start the paperwork to get his properties back. I believe he didn’t even have the original deeds but they helped him get settled again, I think we all wanted him back and were very happy to see him return.

7) How much was the Nicaraguan public privy to when Alexis passed away in July 2009?

The public only learned what the media shared. Word spread very fast that he had committed suicide, which didn’t make it true, of course. To many, it seemed that it was presented that way because that’s what they wanted the people to believe. When you hear of someone being shot, the first thing you ask yourself is why, and then you investigate.

The media reports simply stated that he had shot himself and that they were sending his body for an autopsy. The autopsy details were not published but at some point pictures of his body were released, which only showed his face, and you couldn’t see the gunshot wound. His children, especially his daughter Dora, said they believed their dad was murdered and an anonymous individual sent other pictures and details to La Prensa stating Alexis’s face showed bruises. Sadly, everything revolved around rumors, different pictures, speculation and multiple reports of people which made it all more confusing.

8) What was your first reaction? And do you still hold tight to those same beliefs?

My first reaction was of total disbelief and sadness. As time went by though, I started to wonder if he did get frustrated with his relations with the Sandinista party and perhaps fell prisoner of his own depression. Today, my feelings are still of disbelief and sadness; I still have many questions about his death and final days.
9) Did it ever come out as to why Francisco Lopez was at Alexis’s home the evening of his death?

No, I do not remember hearing that Francisco Lopez was at the house. I do remember them saying that he was called and he arrived first. It makes it even more suspicious that the time of his death was said to be at 1:30am and the autopsy was ordered just a few hours later.

10) Do you think we will ever know the truth of what happened to Alexis?

No, unfortunately I think it will remain a mystery. Given the blurry facts, I cannot accept that his death was a suicide. I know he had many problems in his life, but he loved his children and he still helped people in his own way. Just a few days before he had been in Puerto Rico and was seen in a good, happy mood.

11) How will you remember Alexis?

There aren’t enough words to describe how I will remember Alexis, he was just so many things. But if I have to sum it up, I’d say that I will remember him as the finest, most humble and most talented boxer that the world ever saw come from Nicaragua.