Chris Arreola Faces the Media

Heavyweight meets Vitali Klitschko on September 26

Popular Los Angeles heavyweight Chris Arreola held a media workout yesterday and as you would expect, the local boxing community all took their lunch breaks at Joe Goossen’s Gym in the San Fernando Valley.

While forgoing lunch, the large crowd digested “knuckle sandwiches” as we watched the WBC #1 World Contender go to work on the canvas. I stopped by for a quick visit to check out the two-fisted action.

The Mexican-American dynamo (27-0, 24 KOs) is looking to make history as he takes on the vaunted Vitali Klitschko on September 26 at the Staples Center. The scheduled 12-rounder (no one is convinced it will go the distance between these two powerhouses) is promoted by K2 Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and the highly-anticipated showdown is on target to be a sell-out event. If you’re living in L.A. and you’re a boxing fan, this is the place to be.

Strains of the Randy Newman song, “I Love L.A,” should be playing in the background; it’s been boxing heaven here in L.A. for the past few days. Klitschko held his own media workout just one week ago and the excitement is really building now as the city gets ready to host this heavyweight battle.

Arreola is proud to represent his hometown in the bout, saying, “I want to put on a good fight at Staples Center for all the fans.”

Asked a prediction, he stated, “No prediction–but I’m gonna go in there and knock him out!” Arreola is said to be a huge underdog in this marquee matchup, but he still claims victory will be his.

At the Wednesday afternoon workout, the gathered group included promoter Dan Goossen (whose family is legendary in the sport), trainer Joe Goossen, 32-0 heavyweight Malik Scott, September 26 undercard fighters John Molina and Shawn Estrada, boxers Wayne McCullough, Edison Miranda, Manuel Quezada, Jonathan Arellano and Walter Sarnoi. Molina, Estrada, and Miranda managed to squeeze in workouts on the bags and in the ring as rows of photogs captured all of their drills.

Former Olympian Estrada looked good in his workout and plans to keep his unbeaten record intact. The hard-hitting middleweight continues to make his name known in the fight game. He admits he still has a little weight to cut but promises to be ready on September 26. The 24-year-old also joked as he glanced up at heavyweight Arreola inside the ropes, “Hey, I’ll take on the big guys. I’ll fight anyone!” Estrada has a great personality and earlier in the day, had a mock face-off against pal and fellow Goossen fighter John Molina.

In the middle of the gym, one of boxing’s smaller guys, Wayne “Pocket Rocket” McCullough, was warmly greeted by many in the room. The beloved Irish fighter and former WBC Bantamweight Champ was with his father-in-law, wife, Cheryl, and cute daughter Wynona Leigh. The family has been residing in Las Vegas, but will now be spending more time in the San Fernando Valley. Remember that name: Wynona Leigh McCullough. The pretty young girl, just 11, is a very talented singer and actress. Now that they are closer to Hollywood, you will be hearing from this future star very soon.

But the main focus of the day was on the headlining Arreola, who showed off some mitt work, pounded on the heavy bag, shadowboxed and more for the packed audience. Chris says he’s about 260 pounds right now but with his amped-up training will aim for 245. And the unbeaten boxer confirms to me that he really has given up his favorite snack of Oreo cookies during his training camp. So for all those naysayers, who said Chris Arreola doesn’t have any discipline?

With trainer Henry Ramirez and cutman “Indian” Willie Schunke by his side, Arreola answered all questions with his usual humor and candor.

It was wall-to-wall people crowding around Arreola as he got his hands wrapped with precision by the always-professional Schunke, but no one griped about the soaring temperature in the gym. All attendees were patient as everyone jostled for space. I was caught in a sweaty vortex behind Arreola’s perch as the Riverside boxer handled the media with his usual good-natured attitude. Breathing room was at a minimum as attendees clamored to hear what the Mexican-American titlist would say.

But amidst the journalists, trainers, and top prospects, there was also one very special guest in the gym that really stood out.

He was strong, muscular and wearing a “Team Chris Arreola” T-shirt that was melded to his imposing physique. Then I noticed he was drooling a bit. Meet “Tank” Schunke, a “ruff and tuff” pedigreed English bulldog and a lean, mean fightin’ machine! The panting canine was a 2008 Christmas gift from Arreola to his longtime cutman, “Indian” Willie.

This dog loves to be around the fight game as Schunke tells me, “He gets excited when the guys work out. Tank loves being around it!” Arreola’s stablemate, young Jonathan Arellano was given the all-important task of watching over the prized pooch. Weighing in at over 60 pounds, Tank remains undefeated. No bark, all bite…just like Arreola, who said before the assembled microphones that he’s no “shit talker” when someone asked if he had any message for Klitschko. He plans to do the talking with his fists.

L.A.’s the place for us native Angelenos–and just like Arreola’s four-legged mascot, Tank, we are salivating for this heavyweight clash!

Promoter Goossen reminded the media, “The slogan is ‘No Mercy.’ We have two big men colliding in heavyweight history who will bring excitement back in the ring!!!”

“No pressure,” Arreola interjected as the crowd laughed.

The countdown begins…just two and a half weeks to go for “The Nightmare” to mix it up with “Dr. Ironfist.”

For L.A. fans and fight aficionados around the globe, all are hoping for a dream match!

Here are some quick snapshots of the day’s happenings as Team Arreola gears up for their end-of-the-month matchup.

By the way, on a separate occasion I was also extremely fortunate to watch a recent Arreola sparring session…so stay tuned to hear all about it.

See you at the fights!

Photos by Michele Chong