Big props to Cris Arreola

**Gandalf** · 09-27-2009 02:39 AM

Arreola tried his best, but his skillset is sorely lacking. He applied pressure, but I don't think it was effective pressure at all. No head movement...just a case of plodding forward and taking punches on the guard. He would occasionally get close and Vitali would just tie him up. There were countless times when he could have pinned Vitali and unloaded a combination but Vitali was just allowed to circle freely. Arreola has heart, but he just isn't all that good a fighter. But fair play on him seeing it through as far as possible.

For me that was a quality showing from Klitschko and the best I've seen from him in a long while. He has great stamina for a big old guy and just keeps on flicking out the 1-2's and 3/4 punch combinations. No doubt that Vitali is the better of the Klit brothers. He really stomps on his opponents in a way that Wlad just seems too timid to do.

I would like to see James Toney have a go with Arreola in the very near future.

**Majesty** · 09-27-2009 02:50 AM

Cris maybe will train harder now.

Anyway It was a good fight but the holding that fight was deplorable, everytime Cris even got close he was held. I was under the impression that much holding is illegal, he would intentionally tie up Arreola or his arms to stop him from throwing inside, I thought that was illegal or at least you were supposed to be warned for it. Cris wasn't gonna win but I'm still wondering did anyone else notice all the holding?

**Gandalf** · 09-27-2009 04:02 AM

Originally Posted by Majesty

Cris maybe will train harder now.

Anyway It was a good fight but the holding that fight was deplorable, everytime Cris even got close he was held. I was under the impression that much holding is illegal, he would intentionally tie up Arreola or his arms to stop him from throwing inside, I thought that was illegal or at least you were supposed to be warned for it. Cris wasn't gonna win but I'm still wondering did anyone else notice all the holding?

Totally agree. I fought Vitali fought very well, but the holding is something that bugs me. I really wish referees would lecture fighters more about holding and then take points off if they continue to do it. It spoils the flow of a fight. I hate it when any fighter does it excessively, and like someone said on another thread, it should only be allowed if the fighter trying to hold is buying time becuase they are seriously hurt. It's an ugly habit that needs to be wiped out of the game, fights are only twleve rounds these days after all.

**Nameless** · 09-27-2009 05:27 AM

If this guy would shear down 20-30 pounds he could make some solid disaster as it would mean more speed and more stamina, he showed a very tough heart and tough chin, now he just has to get the will to carry himself to the next level and he could become a champion in the middle run.

**Hunter** · 09-27-2009 10:32 AM

to tell you the truth I dont give Arreola any props.......The guy obviously had the boxing gift but chose not to give it 100% and that is why he lost.....I like what Lampley said at the end, something along the lines of you cant expect to beat world class fighters that basically stay in shape and train all year and you yourself take months off to enjoy the good life......

I think it is hillarious that Vitali's only compliment of Arreola was "Man I cant believe he took those shots and I couldnt knock him out sooner"

**Spicoli** · 09-27-2009 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by Hunter

to tell you the truth I dont give Arreola any props.......The guy obviously had the boxing gift but chose not to give it 100% and that is why he lost.....I like what Lampley said at the end, something along the lines of you cant expect to beat world class fighters that basically stay in shape and train all year and you yourself take months off to enjoy the good life......

I think it is hillarious that Vitali's only compliment of Arreola was "Man I cant believe he took those shots and I couldnt knock him out sooner"

I think Arreola could have been 25 lbs leaner and it would not have made a difference.He has improven on his boxing but could not match Vitalis skillset.

Actually Vitali said Chris was very preparred for the left jab and was suprised by his movement,he had a great chin and he had big respect for him....maybe he was just being nice,but he showd respect afterwards.....lampley should stick to calling punches that do not land.

El Kabong · 09-27-2009 03:18 PM

Agreed Spicoli, Arreola showed everything he had in his arsenal and I think he could have planned forever for this fight and Vitali would still have picked him apart. I was impressed with Arreola's conditioning, he was still throwing good hard punches after the 8th which is the farthest he's ever been in a fight before. Arreola's defense was pretty good, he didn't allow for the usual Vitali combination swat the guard down & right cross...Cris did everything he could have, the style and skillset just put him at a disadvantage, but IMO he did the best since Lennox Lewis or Corrie Sanders vs Vitali.

I think Larry Merchant called the fight very fair even though he was 100% cheering for Arreola, that's impressive seeing how Larry usually just speaks his mind and he's usually dead damn wrong. But in this case he gave Vitali lots of respect and never had any delusions of grandure about Arreola during the fight. Props to Larry for that.