Heavyweight to make the brothers “Dodger” fans
Unbeaten heavyweight Cristobal Arreola (26-0, 23 KOs) wants to bring the Klitschko brothers to L.A. Either sibling will do.
Arreola, nicknamed “The Nightmare” would be happy to challenge older brother Vitali or the younger Wladimir.
And there’s even promise of a black-and-blue matchup. Well, make that Dodger Blue.
At a recent press luncheon, Arreola, promoter Dan Goossen and trainer Henry Ramirez all reiterated to the assembled group that their goal is simple and attainable: Chris is ready to fight a Klitschko and the perfect place would be at the historic Dodger Stadium ballpark.
With 56,000 seats available, the matchup would create world-wide fanfare. Thousands of local fans alone would flock to the stadium to see the Riverside fighter trade leather with either “Dr. Ironfist” or “Dr. Steelhammer.”
Arreola, the WBC Continental Americas and NABF Heavyweight Champion, has been training under a new fitness regime.
Trainer Ramirez says it’s been going well, “He’s stepping it up. We’ve hired a strength and conditioning coach; that’s a step in the right direction.” He added that their goal weight for Chris is 245 pounds. Ramirez also told me details about the workout that involves plyometrics and harnesses, cardio and running.
The undefeated #1 WBC world-ranked heavyweight told everyone about the effects of his new workout, “The first week I was sore, like ‘Hell Week’ in football practice! I couldn’t even squat. But I’m already enjoying it.”
Although Arreola has said that he was once a shy child, the 6’4″ fighter had everyone in stitches as he’s never one to hold back his thoughts and opinions, which are usually quite humorous. But when the talk turns to his quest to be the first Mexican World Heavyweight Champion ever, Arreola gets his game face back on, “I’m trying to get that title shot. I’ve earned the right to be among the best heavyweights. I’m an aggressive, balls-to-the-walls fighter. I’ll make guys fight my fight. I’ve got that Mexican mentality. I’m not gonna quit–I’m gonna go out on my shield!”
When other names of possible opponents came up during the Q &A session held at the Sisley Italian Kitchen in Sherman Oaks, Chris replied, “There’s some ‘old bums, old guys’ like John Ruiz, James Toney, Oleg Maskaev, Michael Grant…Their time is up.”
The key matchups they desire are with a Klitschko or Nicolai Valuev. Chris stated, “Almost all their fights have been in Europe. To be considered a ‘World Champ’ they need to come over here. They need to fight me!”
Promoter Goossen agreed, “Our intentions are to bring back the title back to America. And when you have a young, hungry fighter like Arreola, we’ll get that opportunity.”
The 27-year-old boxer is not threatened by the ring experience of either Vitali, 37, or Wladimir, 33, “I’m maturing more, so the more time they give me the better.” Arreola fought this past April when he knocked out Jameel McCline in Las Vegas.
He now wants to battle in front of a hometown crowd in August or September at Dodger Stadium. If this clash between Arreola vs. Klitschko were to be held at Chavez Ravine stadium, it would certainly be an early “World Series” of a different sorts.
But according to the BoxRec website, Vitali is supposed to fight on September 12 in Germany. No challenger named yet. And David Haye still wants his (second) chance against Wlad, after pulling out of their schedule June 20 bout.
Does this leave Chris Arreola singin’ the blues? Nope, he’s not giving up. Convinced of his destiny, he will continue to call out the Ukrainians until one accepts the challenge.
Boxing fans around the world want this destiny fulfilled as well. We are used to earthquakes in Southern California, but boy, what a rumble it would be if this proposed Arreola-Klitschko showdown were to happen!
Team Arreola and Goossen Tutor Promotions say it would be a sell out. “We can fill up an arena–I’m gonna bring it!” promises the heavyweight.
If this bout takes place, fighting in Dodgertown would indeed be a dream for “The Nightmare.”
His trainer confirms the time is right. “He’s ready for the world title; he’s ready to make history,” Ramirez said at the Tuesday luncheon.
Also lending his support at the function was another Goossen Tutor boxer, John Molina. The likable lightweight (17-0, 13 KOs) told me his next fight is on July 16 at Tachi Palace. The rising star jokingly patted his stomach he in shape and ready to go, even after just eating a delicious meal.
Speaking of meals, those famous Dodger dogs alone just may be enough to lure Vitali or Wladimir to Los Angeles!
C’mon, guys, come to America.
Don’t dodge the challenge–or Dodger Stadium. We’re all waiting for you.
Especially, your very own personal welcoming committee: Team Arreola!
Photos by Jorge Garcia