Heavyweight Chris Arreola Returns in March

Kickoff Presser for Arreola vs. Stiverne

Fight fans love a good heavyweight fight. There’s nothing quite like the action that the big men bring to the ring.

Come March 9, one former champ is returning to the ring, hungry for another championship title.

Riverside puncher Chris Arreola (35-2, 30 KOs) will be facing Haitian slugger Bermane Stiverne (22-1-1, 20 KOs) on March 9, 2013 at the OC Hangar in Costa Mesa, Calif. This mighty matchup is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with Don King Productions, airing on HBO. Tickets go on sale this FRIDAY, January 25.

I attended the spirited press conference held Wednesday at Sisley’s Italian Kitchen Restaurant in Sherman Oaks. Meeting the media were the “Nightmare” Arreola, his promoter Dan Goossen, stablemate Josesito Lopez and fellow Goossen Tutor fighter Andre Ward. Trainer Joe Goossen (Ten Goose Boxing Gym) and Arreola’s wife Erin were also in attendance.

While Chris (WBC #1-ranked heavyweight contender) has been criticized in the past for his weight issue and lack of discipline, this 2013 version of Arreola appears slimmer, more focused and even more determined to add world titles to his record. His battle against Stiverne (#2-ranked contender) is a WBC Heavyweight World Championship elimination bout.

Promoter Goossen also announced an action-packed undercard including a Juan Carlos Salgado vs. Argenis Mendez match and fights featuring twin brothers and Olympians Javier Molina and Oscar Molina. This Orange County rumble will offer a chance for Arreola and the Molina’s hometown fans to see their heroes fight in their own backyard.

During the Q&A with the large crowd assembled, Arreola expressed his desire to win. He repeated that he will continue “to work his butt off” to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. Chris told me that his newfound discipline has always been there, an ongoing thing but that his desire to get back on HBO and to attain more championship belts is stronger than ever. He also said the harsh criticism he received about his weigh never bothered him as he said with a laugh, “Maybe I was too cocky back then but the talk never bothered me.”

Chris, who trains with Henry Ramirez at Indian Willie Schunke’s private II Feathers Gym, is sporting a noticeably trimmer physique. While catching up with Josesito Lopez (who also trains with Ramirez), Jose said he’s noticed the change in the heavyweight. “He’s looking good and training hard,” Lopez comments about Arreola, who was wearing a suit and a new hairdo. “Chris is in great shape and I’m looking forward to his fight on March 9. Look at him–he looks like a gentleman.”

A gentleman outside of the ropes, a beast on the canvas.

Andre Ward also lent support: “Chris is looking lean and mean; I’m in his corner and pulling for him!”

The return is a welcome one for the camp. Arreola had an elbow injury last summer which canceled out his June 2012 fight. His last appearance in the ring was a February 2012 KO victory over Eric Molina. The knockout artist knows he has a lot riding on his March 9 war with “B. Ware” Stiverne.

“I want to get the title plus it’s my birthday on March 5!” the always amiable pug says.

And he wants this win.

“Stiverne is a tough fighter; he throws a lot of combinations. He throws a lot of combinations with ‘pop,'” assesses the Mexican warrior. “But I’m gonna bring my constant pressure. He stands in the way of history and my future. So I’m gonna work my butt off and take care of business like I always do.”

His promoter is confident he will do that and more.

“Chris brings his ruggedness, determination and desire to win,” the well-regarded Goossen states. “He is tenacious, tough and rough. And a Chris Arreola in tip-top shape is unbeatable. His conditioning was the missing ingredient but I believe by late 2013 Chris could be the toughest man on the planet!”

Chris Arreola’s journey to fight for the title begins March 9.

Tickets: http://www.fightcluboc.com

Photo by Michele Chong