The boxer who ended Scottish ring legend Jim Watt's defence of his WBC lightweight title - and his career - has been found shot dead in Nicaragua.

Alexis Arguello, who outfought Glasgow-born Watt in his fifth defence at Wembley Arena in June 1981, and won the bout on points, was discovered with gunshot wounds in the capital Managua.

Watt lasted 15 rounds but the judges gave Arguello a unanimous 15-round decision, making him only the sixth boxer to win world titles in three divisions - lightweight, featherweight and super featherweight.

Watt, 60, who retired immediately after the fight, last night paid tribute to his friend and former rival. He said: "I am deeply shocked and saddened by the news. Alexis was total class, inside and outside the ring."

Arguello, 57, was mayor of the district in which he lived.

It is understood he suffered from depression and had apparently threatened to take his own life several times.

Watt, who won the title against Alfredo Pitalua at Kelvin Hall in Glasgow in April 1979, met Arguello on a trip to Los Angeles last year, and described the former champion's physical and mental state as very good.

"Alexis gave me the impression he was happy and content. He was working as a ringside commentator for a South American TV company and seemed very upbeat," said Watt.