Arreola-McCline

[OumaFan]

For some reason I want to pick McCline here but he never gets it done, even if he comes close its just that, he comes close like in the Peter fight which he really should have won probably.

But I don't like Arreola. Just doesn't have the mentality to be great. There's an article on max boxing where they mention how he was 239 pounds for his best performance against Chaz and then he was 254, 258 after that and basically he goes on about how its hard for him to get up for fights he knows he's gonna win. Dude's a prospect, its one thing for Roy Jones to say things like that but its not like Arreola's that far above the guys he's been fighting.

I want to pick McCline by early KO and honestly I can see him seriously hurting Chris early but if he doesn't get him out he'll just go into his shell and Chris will outwork him.

Thoughts? Anybody care about the fight?

[Mar]

They could give mccline a head start of four 10-9 rounds to start and he'll still find a way to loose. mccline isn't too bad in fights that mean absolutly nothing, but in even semi-big fights he blows it everytime and this is no different. I have no problem with arreola people want to pump up all these prospects when that all they are is prospects. Now they are trying to force through any old joe who wants to fight in the HW division from the U.S. He's out of shape fat whatever, but for all the bad they say about him he is yet to loose, arreolla is no worse than any of the other chumps trying to be Hw champ these days so fine i'll bite. I think chris will win this fight easier than his last against walker. Not saying much i know but neither is the champs beating rahman or thompson.

[Rantcatrat]

Beating McCline in dominant fashion will make a statement and that is why I think Arreola comes to this fight motivated.

His weight is an issue only if it prevents him from winning. So far, it hasn't.

When is Arreola in a boring fight?He takes risks and that is what makes him fun to watch. It is a solid fight to have on an undercard.

[El Kabong]

McCline is the typical heavyweight, flashes of promise and then disappointment. He's terribly inconsistent but I think in this fight he can work early behind his jab, size, and decent defense to get ahead on the cards (if there of course is no bias amongst the judges ). I feel that Jameel could have beaten Valuev if not for his knee and he has really fought with a sense of urgency since then, knocking down Sam Peter 3 times, he had a tough fight with Ruiz, and he beat out Mike Mollo.

If McCline wants to win, he's going to have to throw punches, be first, use good defense, and use his size. It may not be the prettiest way to win but you want Arreola hitting your defense, wasting energy trying to break clinches, and all in all trying too hard for the KO and in the mid to late rounds you pour it on and stop him because he's out of shape and doesn't think well in the ring.

Cris needs to establish a jab, land with power early to tighten McCline up (as he is prone to do) and then pick your spots to throw and to play defense. McCline should tire out and basically give up before you KO him.

I like McCline for the upset as well as I just don't think that highly of Arreola, but let's see how they do on the scales before I make my mind up 100%

[Spicoli]

I think alot of this will come down to McClines mindset.He seems to at times,do just enough to turn in a stanky effort.He can punch straight,great size and whatever his short comings is solid in chin and body.He has to be willing to take some huge shots and fire back without hesitation.I think its there for him.But he has to win Chris's respect early and often and not let Arreola get rolling.

[HattonTheHammer]

damn if jamel mcline could bang he would of been an absoloute monster at the weight.

All the physical attributes required but just never seems to have that power his incredible upper body should give him.

Id like to think this could FINALLY be where it comes good for him, but it wont.


Arreola to take a decision

[El Kabong]

Spicoli and hattonhamer you are both right on the money. It seems at times when McCline is in a dangerous fight he tightens up a bunch and is seemingly scared to throw punches.....conversly he can also loosen up a bit when put under pressure like he did vs Sam Peter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT-R-w8Bmi8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmgwRN-OCIE

....if you look at the styles of Wladimir and Sam Peter, Wlad stayed back fought behind the jab and made McCline think while Sam just attacked him and McCline didn't get the chance to think about the danger. So I am hoping Arreola tries to jump on McCline early and Jameel catches him. Jameel isn't that bad of a heavyweight he's just inconsistent.

[Rantcatrat]

Spicoli and hattonhamer you are both right on the money. It seems at times when McCline is in a dangerous fight he tightens up a bunch and is seemingly scared to throw punches.....conversly he can also loosen up a bit when put under pressure like he did vs Sam Peter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT-R-w8Bmi8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmgwRN-OCIE

....if you look at the styles of Wladimir and Sam Peter, Wlad stayed back fought behind the jab and made McCline think while Sam just attacked him and McCline didn't get the chance to think about the danger. So I am hoping Arreola tries to jump on McCline early and Jameel catches him. Jameel isn't that bad of a heavyweight he's just inconsistent.

Can someone explain why Arreola gets all the hate? He is likeable - Is he not? He has never been in a dull fight. You won't ever find yourself watching an Ibragimov/Thompson v. Klitschko snoozefest when Arreola is involved because he is an all-action, brawling heavyweight. He isn't 6'8 and content to work behind his jab; he is 6'4 and wants a brawl. He is paying his dues by fighting tough undefeated prospects and knocking them out. Plus he is humble and looks like Freddy Kruger. What is there not to like?

I have nothing against McCline, but Jameel is getting knocked out early in this one. And then once again, people will overlook the solid win and criticize Arreola because he weighed 250, not 240.

If you don't like him, fine, but what does he have to do to earn your respect?

[El Kabong]

I like Arreola more than David Haye....he's an affable fella, I just don't appreciate the way he trains and the manner in which he fights.

If you come into a big fight looking like a fat slob then you have little respect for your opponent and little respect for the sport....maybe it's my perception but Arreola like many current heavyweights has a tough time getting "IN SHAPE"...when you are in good shape you're going to be more consistent, have more energy, and be a more exciting fighter.

Which is more exciting, the 226 pound David Tua who took on Ike Ibeabuchi for 12 full rounds of nonstop excitement or the 242 pound David Tua who took on Fres Oquendo and was losing every round of the fight before he KO'd Fres?

And it's not just Tua who is affected by weight....Shannon Briggs, gave a good showing vs Lennox Lewis at 228 pounds and then looked like he needed oxygen after throwing A punch vs Ibragimov when he weighed in at an outrageous 273 pounds.

Why should Arreola be viewed any differently...McCline has some weight issues as well but he seems to always have decent cardio stamina, breathing through his punches etc. McCline was semi-retired before this fight was made...I hope he's not just in it for the pay day as a win here could mean a lot more money for him.

[OumaFan]

I can't be bothered to be a fan of a guy who doesn't care and won't train, hence the James Toney sig.

Meh, I don't hate him, I'm just tired of all these out of shape, slow heavies.

If he knocked out McCline early I'd pay attention, I wouldn't be a fan but that would be an accomplishment, its most likely not going to happen though.