Predictions for Arreola vs Klitschko

Compiled By Dave Wilcox 

This Saturday night at Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles, history can be made if Riverside, California’s own Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola can pull the upset of a lifetime and snatch the WBC Heavyweight belt from defending champion, Vitali “Dr. Ironfist” Klitschko. The eldest Klitschko is a heavy favorite in this one, and deservedly so. Arreola has shown the propensity to come into fights overweight and if he does it this time, the always in condition “Dr Ironfist” will make him sorry he did.

I personally saw Chris Arreola up close and personal ringside while covering the August 1st bout between Timothy Bradley vs. Nate Campbell for www.talkinboxing.com and believe me, he was horrendously out of shape.. All reports this week during the local workouts and at media events have Arreola in great shape. There is always a first time for everything I suppose, but I have my doubts. We will see Saturday night when the robe comes off.

As for “Dr Ironfist”, he is as cool as they come and we know what kind of shape he will be in for this bout. Whatever does transpire Saturday Night, I’m sure it will be exciting and that in itself is good news for the heavyweight division.

Let’s see what the team from “Talkin Boxing with Billy C” has to say about this one.

Amy Green-Woman’s Boxing Report In all of his 27 bouts, Arreola has never faced even a fighter remotely resembling the caliber of Vitali. If it were Vlad, I'd give him a better chance but with Vitali? No way. Vitali doesn't play well with others and the weapons he brings to the game- strength, precision, conditioning and focus are more than Arreola has in his bag of tricks. Vitali KO's Arreola in less than eight.

Emily Harney- The “Queen of Boxing” I am taking Klitschko by KO. Thank you.

Elke Vivona- New York Scene Reporter Many will think I'm crazy, but I have Arreola to win. It may be wishful thinking in hopes that Arreola brings the heavyweight title back to the U.S. Klitschko hasn't been very busy in the past few years whereas Arreola has been. I believe that Arreola is the stronger and fresher fighter and will get the "W.". Arreola just has to find a way around Klitchko's European style boxing in which the jab is highly effective and used a range finder. Even with that, I believe Arreola will land the harder shots. Cheering Arreola on all the way!!

Joe Santoliquito- Managing Editor for Ring Magazine Klitschko KO 5 Arreola I think this has the potential to be a very exciting fight. I can see Arreola jolting Klitschko a few times and really engaging him. But in the end, Arreola will take too many chances, leave himself open, a Klitschko will wade through the breach and take advantage, probably stopping Arreola in the fifth. It should be fun while it lands--and the excitement will be generated by Arreola.

John Robbins- Canadian Correspondent Vitali Klitschko should absolutely run over Chris Arreola in this fight. Aside from Klitschko's only loss, which of course came legitimately at the hands of Lennox Lewis, Klitschko's resume is by no means impressive enough to even consider Dr. Steel Hammer, amongst the Greatest Heavyweight Champions of all time. The problem though with Chris Arreola is, he hasn't even defeated anywhere near the level of opposition that Vitali has, let alone anyone anywhere near a Klitschko. The only advantage for Arreola in this fight is the 10 years he has on Vitali age wise. Height, reach, and natural size all go to Vitali, and quite possibly speed, stamina and power as well. Add to that the level of ring experience, and boxing skill, that also goes deeply in favor of Vitali Klitschko, and other than just simply a punchers chance, I can't see how Arreola can win this fight. I'm taking Vitali by stoppage.

Dave Wilcox- West Coast Correspondent Being in Southern California, I have been able to follow Chris Arreola’s rise up the ranks of the Heavyweight division. As much as I like him personally, I just have never seen him show the commitment to be in shape. He says he is this time, so I’ll stay hopeful. Having said that, regardless of what shape Arreola is in, I don’t see him having enough skill to snatch the belt from Vitali Klitschko. “Dr Frankenstein” is a machine and will break down Arreola quickly with his powerful jabs and straight right hands. I think Chris’ chances are slim and none, and slim went on vacation. Klitschko KO in 5

Our fearless leader, Billy C. has his pick for this one as well Chris Arreola has the power and strength to get inside and KO Vitali Klitschko in front of his fans at the Staples Center. However, Arreola lacks the discipline required to become a World Champion. Add to that his lack of experience and I see Klitschko taking the taco eating, beer drinking party-boy out within ten rounds. He has too much skill and a great set of whiskers. He will be able to withstand Arreola's early onslaught. Klitschko by stoppage.

Some friends of the “Talkin Boxing with Billy C.” Show wanted to weigh in as well.

“Terrible” Tim Witherspoon - Former Heavyweight Champion of the World Arreola has a good chance. All I can remember was when I fought Larry Holmes in my first my big fight and shot at the Heavyweight title, I was up for it. Chris Arreola is tough and if he keeps his hands up he should do well. Klitschko has to use his jab and keep his hands up. Klitschko cant fight on the inside if Arreola jabs his way in and stays inside more than outside he could win

“Gentleman” Gerry Cooney- Heavyweight legend Klitschko should stop Arreola in middle to late rounds. His experience and his long left jab are very big tools. He'll stop him with the right hand.

Alex “The Bronx Bomber” Ramos- Retired Boxers Foundation and newest inductee in the California Boxing Hall of Fame Klitschko will make it impossible for Areola to fight the fight he wants to. Klitschko is a master with the jab and he will keep Areola outside, which will frustrate Areola no end. I think Klitschko will knock Areola out! Areola just doesn't have enough experience to fight this journeyman!

Pat Connor - www.StrictlyBusinessBoxing.com - I'm picking Arreola his punch and his heart are big the question is his chin. Although he is 27-0 with 24 Ko's his level of competition is suspect. I think Arreola has a punchers chance and both fighters will hit the deck. Besides his punch Arreola's only tangible assets are his youth and his self admitted love of Corona beer. His love of the beverage will be telling in the fact of how long has he avoided it during training and how big is his desire to celebrate with one. Either way it will be bottoms up for the Mexican / American challenger.

Ian Webb - www.StrictlyBusinessBoxing.com - Arreola will need Santa Anna's army. The big punching Klitschko is too big too strong, faster and has fought tougher opposition. Add in 36 Ko's in 37 fights with only two defeats one to Lennox Lewis and the other a RTD loss to Chris Byrd with a torn rotator cuff.

Rusty Rubin- Founder and managing Editor of Ringsports Magazine and Ringsports.com - Klitschko by TKO...He’s the bigger and more experienced fighter and we simply haven’t seen Arreola’s heart tested yet If Arreola’s heart holds up, it will be a decision for Klitschko Otherwise, I see a TKO win for Vitali inside of four rounds.

William Trillo- www.Pound4Pound.com - Well I just got in from the final press conference and both guys are very determined and worthy. This should be a real good fight. I am very certain Klitschko is in top shape, I don't know where Arreola is and that is the big question. Depending on Arreola's weight this fight has a number of possible outcomes.

If he weighs 260 or above it's over in 3 or less as Klitschko will bomb him out. From 250-260 pounds Chris will get pummeled and stopped before 9. From 240-250 Chris will make a good fight of it and this battle could go past 10 and although Chris has the proverbial punchers chance experience should keep Klitschko with the belt. If Chris is under 240 this becomes a pick 'em fight, someone will go down and out and if Chris comes in under 230 like he did against "Bolo" he will defeat Klitschko by convincing KO.

Erik Killin- Northern California Reporter for www.TheDailySports.com If Arreola's chin holds up early we may have a good fight on our hands. But that's a big if. Vitali is sloppy and inaccurate. He could have his hands full if it goes past 2 or 3 rounds since Arreola hits about as hard and is close in size to Klitschko. I’m guessing the chin doesn't hold up and we see an early KO with 2 or 3 rounds Vitali KO 2

David Murphy- Boxing Historian - Klitschko KO 3 in a blowout. There you go with our predictions, what’s yours? Email your predictions, questions or comments to Dave@TalkinBoxing.com.

Don’t forget to tune in to “Talkin Boxing with Billy C.” Radio Show. It runs live, Monday through Friday, from 6:00-8:00 AM (EST) and is available on Podcast anytime. Go to www.Talkingboxing.com for all details on the podcast and to listen live.