By Paul Strauss: The big news right now seems to be whether or not Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola injured both of his hands in the fight with Manuel Quezada a few days ago on FNF? According to assistant trainer Joe Goosen, he did. Goosen promised medical confirmation of that claim, but hasn’t as of yet provided. The hand injury question initially stemmed from a comment Chris made to Goosen between rounds. He complained he had hurt his right hand. Goosen could be heard to say, “You have to fight through it.” In the post fight interview, Arreola said he hurt his left hand in the eighth round, and then when asked about his exchange with Goosen, Arreola said, “I hurt them both.”
Soon after the figh, and before any word about possible fractures or sprains came to light, critics berated Arreola for once again coming into the fight in poor condition. They correctly pointed out Chris talks a good game, but as in the past, the facts say something quite the opposite. His detractors point out the fact that Arreola came into FNF six pounds heavier than his weight for the Tomasz Adamek fight. Arreola and his trainer Henry Ramirez both admitted Chris was not in shape for that fight, and that is why he lost. A similar post-fight story was told when explaining his embarrassing loss to Vitali Klitschko.
In contrast, Chris’ fans argue “The Nightmare” has always provided high punch volume and aggression in his fights. They further, and correctly I might add, point out that Chris has a fan pleasing style and has always shown a willingness to engage in exchanges and take chances in his fights. He definitely is an exciting fighter. Fans further point out the obvious when saying Chris is the type of fighter needed to resurrect the lethargic heavyweight division.
However, it appears they are deliberately ignoring the real point. They know no one can, or is for that matter, arguing Chris isn’t and hasn’t always been a fan favorite. To argue that is not the critical point. The point of contention is he is not a disciplined and dedicated fighter. He could be much better, and that’s the real sore spot with fans and critics alike. He is not living up to his potential
Comments like, “I’ve worked my ass off” mean nothing when you come into the ring flabby and overweight. Attempts to now excuse his poor performance against Quezada because of possible (not yet corroborated by medical authority) injuries to his hands is dodging the real issue with Chris. The claims of injury are after the fact.
The indisputable fact is the very basic necessity of every fighter is to come into the ring in shape. In Chris’ case, his only signs of agility come when he is confronted with this issue. He acknowledges his past sloth and then quickly side steps his confession by saying, “I’ve changed, and I’ve really worked my ass off this time!” But, the proof is in the pudding, and in Chris’ case he not only ate the pudding, he is the pudding!
Take one look at him and you know he is not unlike the guilty delinquent child caught misbehaving. The child quickly volunteers his, “I’m sorry”, which means absolutely nothing, because the little twit is already planning his next escapade. In Chris’ case, when espousing his repentance, it’s obvious he’s really thinking about when he can sneak away for several brews and a double steak quesadilla. No matter what the commercial says, that’s not a sign of character, and that’s the critical point.