New York, NY – After multiple weeks of savagery, boxing’s busy schedule lightens up and offers just one televised card of significance this weekend when former heavyweight title challenger Chris Arreola (31-2, 27 KOs) takes on journeymen Kendrick Releford (22-14-2, 10 KOs) over 10 rounds or less at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada, Friday at 9 PM ET on ESPN 2.
ARREOLA USUALLY JUST TOO BIG TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY?
Possessing a charismatic personality and pulverizing 24 out of his first 27 adversaries, Chris Arreola’s popularity was growing fast and hopes where high for him to be the heir apparent American to restore interest in heavyweight boxing. But it was not be as an very under trained Arreola’s bid at a heavyweight title resulted with a violent one sided beating at the heavy hands of Vitali Klitschko (TKO 10). Just two short months after the drumming, brawler Arreola returned with a back alley mugging over always-game but limited Brian Minto (W TKO 4). Four months later, Chris returned to the “big show” on HBO against Tomasz Adamek. Although eager to prove himself as a serious threat in the division, Arreola was outpointed by the Polish Star (L SD 12). Since, Chris had fought 3 times in 9 months going 3-0 with 2 knockouts and “on paper” has looked impressive. However, truth be told; these wins were against frivolous jokers. Friday’s fight will be Arreola’s second fight in just three weeks. In his last match, Chris weighed in at 238, the second lowest weight of his career with his highest being 263.
KENDRICK SHOULDN’T QUIT HIS DAY JOB
After a streaky start to his sub par career, Kendrick Releford’s 18th bout marked a “funk” spanning 12 bouts which he lost eight, drew once, and only won three times (1 KO). Albeit against half dead vapid scrappers, to his credit of late; Releford managed to win 9 out his last 12 (4 KOs).
CURTAIN RAISER HAS A BATTLE OF HEAVYWEIGHT VETERANS
Former IBF title challenger Tony Thompson (35-2, 23 KOs) squares off against battle tested, but been bested pug Maurice Harris (24-14-2, 10 KOs) over 12 scheduled rounds of throw down.
John Signorella