Cristobal ‘The Nightmare’ Arreola talks heavyweight boxing!
By Ace Freeman (03-Jul-2009)

Ace Freeman caught up with top rated heavyweight 'The Nightmare' Chris Arreola to get the latest on his ring return, his thoughts on the heavyweight division and more... only on FightFan.com!

FF: Chris a lot of people regard you as a fighter who’s willing to get in there and take chances. Is that something we can expect to see from you if you were to fight one of the Klitschkos?

CA: That’s for sure. That’s just the kind of fighter I am. That’s the mentality I have when I get in the ring. Win by any means necessary.

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Cristobal ‘The Nightmare’ Arreola interview

FF: FightFan.com here with ‘The Nightmare’ Chris Arreola. Chris thanks for taking the time. Is there any news on when we can expect to see you in the ring next?

CA: To be honest with you I have no idea as of right now…

FF: So it’s still up in the air at this point?

CA: I’m hearing around September 12, somewhere around there.

FF: If it were completely up to you and there were no promotional politics who are the guys in the division you want to fight in your next outing?

CA: I would love to get in there with Vitali Klitschko. He’s got that green belt that I’ve wanted since I was a kid. Vitali Klitschko is the fight I want right now.

FF: You are widely regarded as one of the top and most exciting American heavyweights. From your perspective why has there been such disinterest in the heavyweight division in the last few years?

CA: I have no idea because I think there are a lot of good young American fighters out there. Look at Kevin Johnson. He’s a great fighter… fast hands, and recently he’s been taking care of business. Travis Walker is another guy, I just fought him and knocked him out but I think he could beat a lot of guys.

FF: What about a lot of the top rated guys we keep seeing getting in with the Klitschkos that come in soft and timid… do you think that gives the heavyweight division a bad wrap?

CA: Yes but the thing about Klitschko is that he makes those guys fight his fight. It’s plain and simple. It’s just like his fight from this weekend against Chagaev. A lot of people that aren’t too familiar with boxing just want to see a knockout, but man Wladimir put a whooping on him. He took Chagaev to school. Who am I to say he’s not a great fighter? I think he is.

FF: Is it a matter of them getting in there and dictating the fight or do some of these heavyweights get in there and just freeze?

CA: I actually think it’s a little bit of both. Chagaev seemed game at first against Wlad but as soon as he got hit with the straight right hand (and Wlad kept nailing him with it) he got discouraged. He didn’t want no more.

FF: Talking about yourself though, a lot of people regard you as a fighter who’s willing to get in there and take chances. Is that something we can expect to see from you if you were to fight Wlad or Vitali?

CA: That’s for sure. That’s just the kind of fighter I am. That’s the mentality I have when I get in the ring. Win by any means necessary.

FF: I noticed in the Sam Peter fight that despite the fact Vitali is getting old and has suffered many injuries, Peter put almost no pressure on him. He didn’t use his strength to push Vitali around. Do you think that with a big guy like yourself it would serve you well to make it a very physical match, as in using your weight to push and walk Vitali back?

CA: I believe I’m a very strong heavyweight. I would impose my will on him. I really think it would be a battle of attrition. I want it more. I’m very hungry and I want it bad. I have a lot riding on this. I have history… my Mexican people and my American people… I have my family. There’s a lot riding on this for me. I’m not going to give it up that easy.

FF: Chris what’s your opinion on David Haye and the noise he’s making at heavyweight?

CA: What noise? He hasn’t made any noise. Except with his mouth. He beat up a 38 year old journeyman. As a cruiserweight champion I respect him but he hasn’t done anything at heavyweight.

FF: If a David Haye fight was something available to you would you like to get it on with him in the ring?

CA: I’ll fight anyone I have to in order to get to the promised land. If that means fighting David Haye… I’ll fight David Haye.

FF: Fair enough. I wanted to ask you a bit about you recently hooking up with a new strength and conditioning coach in Darryl Hudson. Can you talk a bit about what it’s been like working with him?

CA: Oh man… he’s been kicking my ass! The first week was probably the worst of all. I could hardly even sit down take a dump! Honestly man my legs were so sore… but I know it’s going to pay dividends. There’s been some punches I’ve never been able to throw right and with the things we’ve been working on…. I’ve been able to throw punches with power coming from my legs and my waist and my hips. It’s been a great thing.

FF: So it’s not just conditioning but a lot of work on technique and strength and you’re seeing some increased speed and reflexes?

CA: Yea it’s definitely changing a lot. My movement is improving and I’m moving my head a lot. People will notice a change for the better.

FF: That’s great to hear. We’ll look forward to seeing you in the ring again soon. Is there anything else you want to say to all the Fight Fans out there in closing?

CA: Yo just stay tuned and I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: all of my fights will be exciting. I’ll put my heart into every single fight I take.

FF: We’ve seen that already and we’ll look forward to seeing more of it to come. Chris thanks for taking the time.

CA: All right take care man and have a good one.

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