If Riverside, California's undefeated son Chris Arreola can take the gold from WBC heavyweight Vatali Klitschko's grip he can be the first heavyweight champion of Mexican decent. This is just what boxing needs, a young exciting Mexican heavyweight champion. Don't get me wrong I'm not just another Klitschko hater, but I think American boxing fans would benefit from an American champion especially a Mexican one. Mexican-Americans make up a huge percentage of the boxing fans in the United States. Boxing has been a part of their culture for many many years, and if you talk to a Mexican friend and he can't tell you he idolized Julio Cesar Chavez growing up then he is lying to you. Mexicans and Mexican-Americans always back their fighters to the very end and always support them by buying their pay-per-views. The great thing about Arreola is he has crossover potential. He is exciting, he has heart, he has good power and isn't afraid to use it and he likes to KO his opponents. I don't care if people say race doesn't play a part in who the public cheers for in boxing because they are wrong. Just think back in history, Jess Willard "The Great White Hope", Gerry Cooney against Larry Holmes and who could forget the epic battle between Irish Terry Conklin and James "The Grim Reaper" Roper. That's all true except the last one that was in the movie THE GREAT WHITE HYPE, sorry. My grandfather came from Italy so I loved to watch Gatti, Pazienza, and old tape of the greats like Marciano, Graziano, and Pep. Its not wrong to root for your guy because he is the same ethnicity as you but it is to hate. Despite rumors of Arreola being out of shape he looks good, focused, and ready to go. He will have an up hill battle against the elder of the lanky Klitschko brothers but he can do it and I will be rooting for him. Not only can Chris make history he can also help breathe much needed life into the heavyweight division.
Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com
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