"I think this year is my coming out party…I've had my share of big fights, but this is going to be one for everybody to see," stated undefeated heavyweight contender Chris Arreola as he talked about his June 21st clash with Chazz Witherspoon. Check out what he had to say about the fight, Witherspoon and much more as he hopes to make a statement and bring excitement back to the heavyweight division.
PC: How's everything going?
CA: Good man. I'm just getting ready for this big fight. It's time for me to shine and this time, I have a little added pressure.
PC: That was one of my questions for you. With all eyes being on the heavyweight division's situation, is it any added pressure for you to perform well with the current state of the division?
CA: I always have pressure to perform well. I don't want to be considered part of the heavyweights that throws 3, 10 or 20 punches per round. My main pressure is to be entertaining and entertain people. It's added pressure because it's going to be on HBO and I'm one of the headliners at Madison Square Garden. Can't get any bigger than that, you know?
PC: How's training going for your fight with Chazz Witherspoon?
CA: We started training last week, real hard boxing training, and I start sparring this week and it's going good. It's picking up progressively and I'm progressing well.
PC: Two young, undefeated American heavyweight prospects on HBO. Is this the kind of fights that you think we need to get the heavyweight division back where it needs to be?
CA: Yeah man and I'm glad to be a part of this. I'm proud to be a part of something like this because this is what people want to see; two guys that are hungry going at it. They don't want to see…and I respect Wladimir and I think he's a great fighter, but they don't want to see a fight like him and Sultan again.
PC: I'm sure you've watched a ton of footage on Chazz. What's your impression of him as a fighter?
CA: To be honest with you, I've never seen any video on him. Reason being because I really don't like watching any video on somebody I'm fighting because I leave that up to my coach. That's what he does and that's his job and I don't want to second guess him. I don't want to watch a video and then be like, "No, we should do it like this." I leave everything up to my coach. I trust my coach and that's the main reason that I don't look.
PC: You have an outstanding knockout to decision ratio. Do you feel like you're one of the better punchers in the division right now?
CA: No, I don't think I'm one of the bigger punchers period. I have a good knockout to decision ratio, but it's not because I'm a big puncher. It's because I'm relentless, I come forward and I throw a barrage of punches that finally do them in, but it's not because I'm a hard puncher.
PC: Everyone is waiting for an American heavyweight to step up. Do you feel like this is your coming out party?
CA: Yeah, definitely. I think this year is my coming out party. People think that I haven't stepped up to the plate and fought big names, but in all honesty, I have fought some big names. When I beat "Bolo" Wills, we were both undefeated, Hayes was undefeated also and Malcolm Tann. I've had my share of big fights, but this is going to be one for everybody to see.
PC: HBO at Madison Square Garden, it doesn't get any bigger than that. How do you not get blinded by the bright lights?
CA: I just don't. I don't know, I just take it in stride. I don't even save newspaper clippings and clippings out of Ring Magazine and things like that. I just have to take it in stride. I can't get big headed about stuff. That's the main thing. I'm just Chris when I'm out in the streets walking around.
PC: Where would you like a win over Chazz Witherspoon to place you in the division?
CA: To not be a prospect anymore. I want to be considered a contender; somewhere with the top heavyweights in the world.
PC: Sometimes when guys get on HBO, they fight cautious and play it safe. Can we expect anything different out of you?
CA: (Laughing) No, not at all. I've fought on HBO PPV when I fought "Bolo." I've fought on Showtime and even though it's a little smaller, I've fought on ESPN. I don't want to change my style; that's me. If I change my style, then I'm not being true to myself.
PC: HBO on June 21st. Let the fans know why they should check this fight out?
CA: You know it's two young heavyweight fighters going at it toe-to-toe for 12 rounds. Like they say, "It's scheduled for 12 rounds, but could end early." It's going to be some big bombs flying and it's going to be exciting.
