Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated Pryor's age; he would have been 61 years old on Oct. 20. WCPO regrets this error.
CINCINNATI -- Local boxing great Aaron Pryor, voted the "Greatest Junior Welterweight of the Century" by the Associated Press, died early Sunday. He was 60 years old.
Known by his nickname "The Hawk," Pryor was the World Boxing Association Junior Welterweight Champion from 1980 to 1983 and the International Boxing Federation Junior Welterweight Champion from 1983 to 1985.
Aaron Pryor had two unforgettable matches with Alexis Arguello, one in Miami Beach, the other in Las Vegas. Aaron won both times.@WCPO
— John Popovich WCPO (@Popo_WCPOSports) October 9, 2016
ESPN used to show boxing' s greatest bouts. Pryor-Arguello either 1 or 2 were always on the list.@WCPO pic.twitter.com/TzyrheYJ7J
— John Popovich WCPO (@Popo_WCPOSports) October 9, 2016
Some of my archives on the great Aaron Pryor. Beating Dujuan Johnson in Cleveland in 1981. Don King waiting for his cut.@WCPO pic.twitter.com/IeRgF7800w
— John Popovich WCPO (@Popo_WCPOSports) October 9, 2016
He retired in 1991 with a 39-1 record, with 35 knockouts. Pryor was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1996 and the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 2001.
RELATED: John Popovich remembers good times and bad with Aaron Pryor
Pryor struggled with substance abuse during his career; in retirement, he spent time encouraging people to steer clear of drugs.
Aaron Pryor was on of the best fighters I've ever seen. Tenacious. Troubled be demons, sure. But a true great RIP champ @WCPO
— Ken Broo (@kenbroo) October 9, 2016
Pryor's death came after a long battle with heart disease. His family asked for time to mourn their loss.
"Aaron was known around the world as 'The Hawk' and delighted millions of fans with his aggressive and crowd-pleasing boxing style," widow Frankie Pryor said. "But to our family, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend."
Boxing champ Sugar Ray Leonard said Pryor was a fighter to the end.
"I have great love, respect and admiration for my long-time friend," Leonard said. "He will be greatly missed by so many."
Pryor's son, Aaron Pryor Jr., and local restaurateur Buddy LaRosa, who managed Pryor during his professional career, plan to speak about Pryor's life and death Monday at the Over the Rhine Boxing Center.
Pryor also is survived by his son Antwan Harris, daughter Elizabeth Wagner and grandsons Adam, Austin and Aaron Pryor III.
