The exciting, fan-friendly rumble heavyweights Chris Arreola and Travis Kauffman put on just before Christmas, won by Arreola in a close split decision, has been changed to a no-decision, ESPN.com reports. Arreola, who was knocked down in the battle, tested positive for marijuana in the post-fight drugs test and the result was changed on January 5th – Dan Rafael of ESPN.com says he himself only found out yesterday.
Arreola is now suspended for 90-days in Texas and he was also fined a small portion of his purse, just $750. Arreola, a popular warrior who always features in exciting fights, has tested positive for marijuana before. His July 2011 points win over Friday Ahunanya was also changed to a no-decision due to a failed drugs test. It’s unclear when Arreola will fight again, but it is likely the suspension will have passed by such a time that the 34-year-old, now 36-4-1(31) contender is ready to fight again anyway.
Arreola is in the frame for a possible shot at newly crowned IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin; how these events may or may not change his chances of landing the fight it is not clear. However, Arreola’s long time trainer Henry Ramirez admitted to ESPN.com how he is very disappointed right now:
“I found out about this [Monday] and I’m very disappointed,” Ramirez said. “It’s extremely frustrating. The fight with Kauffman was a good win for Chris. It was a close fight, an entertaining fight, and now to have the win changed to a no-decision – the second time this has happened – is very disappointing.”
Arreola had a tough year in 2015: winning an eight-round war with an extremely game yet largely unknown Curtis Harper in March (a performance of his own Arreola later said was “garbage”), “The Nightmare” was then held to a controversial ten-round draw with a switch-hitting Fred Kassi in July. Then came the 12-rounder with Kauffman, which no longer counts as a win.
Arreola wants one last run at the world title and he may still get another chance. Discipline has often been a problem for the down to earth Mexican/American – something Chris readily admits himself – and he must now get his act together if he is to fulfil his dream of making history.
