by James Slater – Now that David Haye is in as Vitali Klitschko’s next challenger (September 12th in Germany) unbeaten Mexican/American contender Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola must find another fight to keep him busy as he waits for his eventual shot at either Vitali or his younger brother Wladimir. The 28-year-old is coming off a good stoppage win over former four-time heavyweight title challenger Jameel “Big Time” McCline, and word is Arreola will fight again in the fall..
According to RingTV.com, his next opponent could well be former WBC heavyweight ruler Oleg Maskaev. Now that Maskaev is also out of the Vitali Klitschko picture – probably permanently now that the reigning WBC champ has won his case and is no longer under any obligation to defend against the former champ – “The Big O” must also look elsewhere for his next fight. And, according to promoters Dan Goossen (Arreola) and Dennis Rappaport (Maskaev) preliminary talks have begun for Arreola Vs. Maskaev.
Should this fight take place, the much younger and very hungry Arreola will no doubt be made a big favourite going in. Indeed, some fans may groan upon hearing about this potential match-up. No-one, in truth, was too interested in seeing Maskakev challenge “Dr Iron Fist” because the fight did not appear to be a competitive match. This same feeling may be felt by the majority with regards to this talked of bout.
Maskaev, who has won two comeback victories since losing his WBC strap to Samuel Peter, enters every fight he has with something of a puncher’s chance due to his powerful right hand. But with his recent injury problems, his lack if activity (only three fights fought in sixteen months) and due to his age (40) Maskaev would really be causing a tremendous upset if he were to derail Arreola.
It is possible to go as far as to wonder if Arreola would be able to get himself sufficiently motivated for this fight. Really, it must annoy Team-Arreola that David Haye, who has had a mere two fights at heavyweight, has got himself a shot at the WBC crown so quickly. Still, the 28-year-old from Riverside can bide his time, keep active and his time will come.
The fight with Maskaev is far from a done deal, and other match-ups are being explored by both heavyweights, but if it is the ageing Russian who the peaking American/Mexican winds up meeting in September or October, a quick win for Arreola looks a good bet from here. It could be explosive while it lasts – after all, Maskaev’s very career would be on the line in the fight and that could make him dangerous – but Arreola would likely win inside a half-dozen rounds at the most.
But would even a 1st-round a win over Maskaev earn Arreola any rave reviews by the critics?