CompuBox: The last two fights of Vitali Klitschko and Chris Arreola
It's hard to really compare historical stats for Vitali Klitschko and Chris Arreola given that Klitschko is a massive step up in competition for Arreola, and that Klitschko's career has a part one and a part two, the latter just two fights old. So with some help from CompuBox, let's look at the last two fights for each man by the numbers.
Bad Left Hook Analysis: Arreola's punch output in these two fights wasn't so hot, and remember that he had to come off the canvas under big pressure from Travis Walker, who threw over 100 punches in the first round. Walker forced Arreola to take a knee, but at the same time, that was probably the best thing for Arreola to do right then. He forced Walker to back off, got to clear his head, and got an eight-count to figure out what he wanted to do. He wound up coming back to dust Walker in short order.
The Jameel McCline fight was tough to take anything from. Sure, Jameel is a big, tall heavyweight, just like Vitali, but that's where the similarities end. McCline does not have near Vitali's skill set or big power, and to be honest, McCline seemed like he was there to pick up a paycheck and move on down the line. Once Arreola put him down, that was it. Both of them seemed gassed by the time they finished the three-plus rounds of fighting they had; Klitschko will not have that sort of stamina or desire issue.
As for Vitali, he flat-out dominated Sam Peter, but Juan Carlos Gomez was dominated simply because he seemed like he came to stink out the joint and try to win that way.
Neither of them have faced a guy like the man that will be on the other side; for Klitschko, at least not recently, as he's certainly faced better fighters in the past, and even guys who probably wanted to be as aggressive. For Arreola, I really think his chances ride on how Vitali's back feels. He came out CLEARLY stiff against Gomez, but Gomez didn't take advantage of it. If Arreola can convince himself to probably just forget the jab and see if he can't get at Klitschko hard and fast, he's got a great chance, and that takes into account Vitali's rock-solid chin. If Vitali simply can't move away from an onslaught or get his jab really pumping to deter one, he could be in trouble.
Right now, I just can't see Arreola beating Vitali, but stranger things have certainly happened. We'll have much more on this fight in the coming days, and then live, round-by-round coverage and analysis during the fight on Saturday night.
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Klistchko-Williams. That’s what this fight will turn out to mirror. Bank it.
http://twitter.com/FlyByKnite
by FlyByKnight on Sep 22, 2009 10:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I can see that.
Bad Left Hook
"Well Howie, I think I'm going to stay outside and outjab him." -- Tex Cobb telling Howard Cosell how he would approach Larry Holmes
by SC on Sep 22, 2009 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was actually in person to see that. Vitali is my favorite boxer of all-time and during that fight, I actually stopped cheering for him and started hoping that it would be stopped. Never, in all my years of watching boxing, have I ever wished a fight would stop as much as I did that night. It was just sad to watch.
Ironically, Miguel Cotto also fought that night and I totally didn’t remember that until a few days ago when I reviewed the card. I feel ashamed.
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by FlyByKnight on Sep 22, 2009 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vitali is my favorite boxer of all-time
You’re the first person who I’ve heard say that (no offense intended to Vitali). I’m just curious: how did he earn your fandom? Why Vitali? Again, I really am just curious.
Boxing writer: "Iran, what are you going to do when you retire?"
Iran Barkley: "Rob your house"
by Matt Miller on Sep 23, 2009 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chris does have a great chance. Although Vitali does have a more natural fight style, don’t count Arreola out. He will not give up. And might I add, he packs a pretty decent punch.And might I add he’s undefeated .I just see a lot of jabbing and standoffs by Vitali using his height advantage trying to keep his distance from the dangerous Mexican heavyweight. I hope it doesn’t turn into an ever boring European exhibition like many Klitshcko fights have.That’s why they ain’t popular in America. Simple as that.
by killah27 on Sep 23, 2009 3:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Vitali is not invulnerable, and this is his most interesting fight since coming back. It’s also the most interesting fight of Arreola’s career, obviously. There is some potential for surprise here, and I’m fairly excited for the fight.
Boxing writer: "Iran, what are you going to do when you retire?"
Iran Barkley: "Rob your house"
by Matt Miller on Sep 23, 2009 8:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m as excited as I get for a heavyweight fight.
Bad Left Hook
"Well Howie, I think I'm going to stay outside and outjab him." -- Tex Cobb telling Howard Cosell how he would approach Larry Holmes
by SC on Sep 23, 2009 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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