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by:

Joshuwa
"Ashyknuckles"
Jernigan


Can Chris "The Nightmare" Arreola (27 - 0, 24KOs) bring life to a division that appears moribund? It's been a long time since the heavyweight division consisted of names like Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, and Mike Tyson. And it's been an even longer amount of time since the division had Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, and Larry Holmes. Now, the glamour division appears to be humdrum and solely dominated by two of arguably the largest guys to fight since the days of Jess Willard. However, the dominance of the Klistchko brothers (Vitali and Wladimir) isn't where the problem lies. The problem is the realization that every legitimate threat to the heavyweight throne has been exhausted, or it just doesn't exist. Or does it? Enter Chris Arreola, an aggressive, hard-hitting undefeated heavyweight who's confident of his ability to return the world title back to the United States.

What's wrong with the Klistchko's reign as "The Cream of the Crop?" They are two of the nicest, jovial individuals you would ever meet. If the monikers "Dr. Ironfist" and "Dr. Steelhammer" leave you clueless about their level of intelligence, as well their adroit craft in fighting, do know that these two champion fighters are PHds. They aren't just good fighters, they are dominating fighters. Both guys have significant advantages in height, reach, and all around boxing skill against just about everyone they face in the squared circle. So, this brings up another interesting question. Why hasn't the American public taken to them? No one truly knows the reason why the heavyweight division remains in disarray in the United States, but I have my own thoughts regarding this topic. Lend me your ear and allow me to opine.

The United States has a decorated history of dominance in the heavyweight division. Even when boxing was on the brinks of extinction, the excitement from the heavyweight division kept the sport afloat during the dark years. What or who provided that type of excitement? In my opinion, the titillation of heavyweight fights were generated from realizing the champions of the past were 100% homegrown, American fighters. And that excitement thrived from the days of Dempsey, Louis, Marciano, Liston, Ali, Patterson, Frazier, and Foreman to the last days of the reign of Holyfield. The American public has celebrated the sport of boxing knowing the baddest man on the planet came from their country. And in the rare times when the heavyweight champion was a non-American, the U.S. had at least 3 or 4 elite level fighters looking to make a run towards challenging for heavyweight supremacy. At this juncture, there are no legit threats to the Klistchko's reign as the top dogs. It's gotten so bad that promoters and networks, alike, are trying to manufacter world title challengers without them having the benefit of being properly developed. Class B and C fighters are given the onus of restoring prominence of the heavyweight division to the United States, and they have been failing miserably.

So, can Chris Arreola ressurect a lifeless heavyweight division? What are his real chances of success against the mighty Vitali Klistchko (37 - 2, 36KOs)? His undefeated record is indicative of a fighter with a great chance of dethroning the champion. But, has Arreola been properly developed, at this level, to make a run for the world title? The Mexican-American Arreola by far is the most exciting heavyweight in the top ten of the WBC's rankings. His constant, relentless attack and his aggressive style has generated enough excitement for people to believe he can become the first Mexican-American heavyweight champion. If he can or not remains to be seen as Arreola puts his undefeated record on the line this weekend at The Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Vitali, the more exciting Klitschko, is by far the most dangerous opponent to date for Arreola. In this fight, Chris faces a significant disadvantage in at least four different categories, and doesn't have the championship experience to carry him through the tough spots in this 12 round fight. To make matters worse, there were already questions looming about his conditioning and lack of discipline needed to prepare for a 12 round prize fight.

While it's no secret that Arreola is a decided underdog in this weekend's encounter, he has the opportunity to prove all naysayers wrong. It isn't his first time facing a man of Klistchko's statue. He's coming off of a Technical knockout victory over the durable, 6'5" Jameel "Big Time" McCline. However, McCline came out of a brief retirement to fight Arreola, and fought him well leading up to the stoppage.

Arreola has two intangibles in his favor, he's younger and healthier than Vitali. Vitali has had several severe injuries in the past which raised questions about his durability. Can the 38 year-old Klistchko endure the physical demands of a 12 round, world title fight? And the fact that he's facing one of the most aggressive fighters since his brilliant defeat of the South African southpaw, Corrie Sanders, legitimizes that question. We will have all the answers to these questions this Saturday, September 26.

This fight is brought to you by Goossen-Tutor Promotions and K2 Promotions, in association with HBO Sports. Tune-in to HBO 10PM ET/7PM PT.