Chris Arreola has had a rollercoaster ride of a career. He has always been an entertaining fighter, and he puts his heart and soul out there for boxing fans every time he steps into the ring. That often gets overshadowed by the controversy surrounding a fight, due to lack of training or his weight.
In recent years, Arreola has shown that he can dedicate himself to the sport, and he has come in shape, but many felt it was too late. The wear and tear that his body has taken is tremendous and considering his fighting style, how will it hold up at this stage of his career?
“I’m grateful for this opportunity. A lot of people say that I don’t deserve this title fight. A lot of people said Deontay didn’t deserve his title shot. I said that. But when he got it, he made the most out of it. He beat the guy who beat me.”
On July 16th, Arreola will fight for a world title for the third time in his career. The first time he fought for a title was back in 2009 against Vitali Klitschko. Arreola was out of shape for the fight as he had been in previous fights but he still made it entertaining and kept himself relevant. Four years later, Arreola would fight Seth Mitchell and make quick work of the former football player and then go on to fight Bermane Stiverne soon after for the vacant world title. Arreola came into the fight in great shape and was doing well, but he got caught, and that was all she wrote.
For his third attempt, Arreola will be going up against “The Bronze Bomber” Deontay Wilder. At this point, Wilder is at the peak of his career and with the decline that Arreola has been in, it may take everything Arreola has to get the victory.
“He’s defended his title and done everything you’re supposed to do as a champion. I respect him a lot. I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
This may be Arreola’s last shot at glory and to make history so I would expect him to train hard, be in shape and come in 110% focused and ready. Will his body be healed from all the abuse it’s taken throughout his career? If all of the above works in Arreola’s favor, then the third time may be a charm, and he could make history. If not, then where does he go and what does he do because this will be most likely his last shot at success.
“I’m not fighting the fans, at the end of the day, it’s me and Deontay Wilder in that ring. That’s what I know about this sport, there’s a lot of talk, but at the end of the day, it’s mano a mano.
“I’m blessed to have this opportunity, and I’m going to make the most of it.”