Heavyweight Boxing Match in LA as Klitschko dominates local Arreola at the Staples Center (10/09)

Were we expecting too much from local fan favorite Chris Arreola? Did Arreola not train hard enough to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world? Or was he simply outmatched by a tough, veteran, superior fighter?

We suspect it was all of the above. The Sept. 26th, 09 heavyweight boxing match held at Staples Center in Los Angeles between Arreola and WBC champ Vitali Klitschko from Russia wasn’t really much of a match at all. What was enjoyable were the pre-fight introductions: Arreola, the crown in a frenzy, entering the ring trying to become the first Mexican-American heavyweight boxing champion in history, while Klitschko and his entourage approaching  the ring eerily reminiscent of a scene out of Rocky IV– the Russian fighter Ivan Drago marching to the ring in a an emotionless, businesslike fashion.  Hollywood luminaries were in attendance including Leonardo DeCaprio, Mike Tyson, Kobe Bryant and many more, each introduced to the crowd with cheers. Also in attendance was California Governor Arnold Swartzenegger, who drew a round of boos. We’re thinking that will change once he becomes an action hero again.

 As for the fight itself? Well, let’s just say the two fighters were consistant in each and every round until Arreola’s trainer threw in the towel in the 10th. Round after round, Arreola just couldn’t get within reach of Klitschko, held at bay by the 6-foot-7 fighter’s jab. Meanwhile, Klitschko systematically pounded away at Arreola, mostly body shots in the early rounds, followed by jabs and punches to the head in the later rounds. After 9 rounds of punishment, the punch stats had the champion landing a whopping 301 direct hits, while Arreola connecting on a seemingly harmless 86. After the fight was stopped, resulting in a TKO victory for Klitschko, Arreola sobbed for several minutes in his corner as he wanted to continue but his trainer threw in the towel to avoid any more damage.

In his post-fight comments, Arreola remarked "I’ll be back. And the next time I won’t drink any Coronas". WHAT?! The kid has a chance to make boxing history and he’s drinking beer as part of his training regiment? Arreola did seem to appear somewhat pudgy- we just assumed that’s his natural body stature. Now we know better- and we would hope that if Arreola gets another shot at the title he’ll know better. We’re betting Arreola will get another chance eventually- he’s young, and Klitschko at age 36 has announced he’ll be retiring soon.