Why Is Evander Holyfield Smiling? Because He’s Holding Back Chris Arreola

Chris Arreola could be the future of the boxing’s heavyweight division. The Mexican-American by way of Los Angeles is young, charismatic, and holds a record of 25-0, with 22 of those wins coming by knockout.
So why isn’t he getting a bigger push? Where is Arreola’s title shot? According to the man himself, the heavyweight division is plagued by guys who are living off their reputation of years past.
Exhibit A: Evander Holyfield.

Holyfield has not fought since October 2007, when he lost a lopsided decision against Sultan Ibragimov for the World Boxing Organization belt. Despite Holyfield’s lengthy inactivity and diminished skills, the WBA rewards him with another title bid against the seven-foot Valuev.

The casual fan will likely recognize Holyfield instead of Arreola if both fighters were spotted in public. But Arreola, 27, soon could cure the American heavyweight malaise, considering his convincing rise through formative bouts and now to television performer.

”There are a lot of young heavyweights that are good, but the problem with the division is the matchmaking,” Arreola said Saturday. “Who wants to see Valuev-Holyfield?

“People are trying to live off their names. No offense but [ Hasim] Rahman is still living off his knockout win over Lennox Lewis years ago. More power to him.”

Arreola is right as rain. Sure, some of the more casual fans of pro boxing might tune in to Holyfield’s December 20 battle with Nikolai Valuev, but for the most part the only reason to watch is to see just how badly beaten down the 46-year-old “Real Deal” can be before the fight is stopped. Even Valuev thought this fight was ridiculous, until they waved some money at him.
Arreola will take on another promising heavyweight, Travis Walker, on Saturday night. The fight will be broadcast on HBO, so tune in. If we don’t get behind the new breed, they’re never gonna take over the division.
Arreola: A boxer on rise [Miami Herald]
Image [Scores Report]