Weigh-ins for the WBC heavyweight title bout between Bermane Stiverne and Chris Arreola took place this afternoon at the Radisson Midtown near the USC campus in Los Angeles, where the action will take place tomorrow night. Both men came in lighter than they weighed for their first bout last April, showing just how serious the fighters are taking this rematch.
Arreola stepped onto the scale first, weighing in at 239, his trimmest physique in years. By comparison, “The Nightmare” came into the first match with Stiverne at 248, and tipped the scale for his most recent bout (a quick destruction of American Seth Mitchell last year) at 242 pounds.
Stiverne hit the scale next, measuring 239.5 pounds. By comparison, “B WARE” was 247 for the first fight with Arreola last April, and came in at 243 against journeyman Willie Herring in his only bout of 2012. Against former title challenger Ray Austin in June of 2011, Stiverne weighed in at 239 pounds.
The stare down was intense, as both fighters locked eyes and mouthed off, trying to get in their opponent’s head. It didn’t come off as an act either; these fighters look eager to get it on and accomplish their dream.
Be sure to tune in to ESPN Saturday at 8pm eastern (5pm pacific) for a great card. The co-feature showcases undefeated 140 pound prospect Amir Imam (13-0), of New York, against Miami based Cuban Yordenis Ugas (15-2). Nine other bouts are scheduled on the untelevised portion of the card, featuring former heavyweight title challenger DaVarryl Williamson and cruiserweight contender (part-time fight commentator) BJ Flores, among others.
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