Following the uncertain controversy and apparent postponement of the highly anticipated heavyweight showdown between WBC champion Deontay Wilder and Alexander Povetkin, Wilder decided to press forward and look another direction. He will instead be defending his title belt against the once highly regarded Chris Arreola on July 16 in Wilder’s home state of Alabama.
For Wilder this will be the 4th defense of his title, following successful defenses against Eric Molina (KO9), Johann Duhaupas (TKO11), and most recently Artur Szpilka (KO9) earlier this year. Wilder originally won the title from Bermane Stiverne, who ironically had secured the vacant WBC trinket for himself against the very same Arreola back in May 2014.
Since being stopped in the rematch with Stiverne – a fight he had been doing well in until the time of stoppage – Arreola has appeared to have declined. His skills and durability both seem inferior to what they once were. Arreola has had three subpar performances since then, with the most recent being a bout against Travis Kauffman in December of last year. The bout was considered controversial by many, where Arreola was initially given the nod with a split decision victory. A lot of observers felt Kauffman had done enough to earn the victory. The original verdict was ultimately overruled and changed to a No Contest after Arreola had tested positive for marijuana.
Most observers feel that Arreola should be easy work for Wilder at this stage. But are people overlooking Arreola in this one? After all, Arreola does have the type of style which theoretically might trouble the reigning WBC titlist. Can Arreola turn back the clock and devise a way to overcome the odds and redefine his image by finally fulfilling the unfulfilled potential many felt he once had? Or is Arreola too far gone to pose a serious threat to Deontay Wilder? This edition of Rummy’s Corner attempts to provide a brief preview into this upcoming heavyweight showdown. Please watch and enjoy the video for Rummy’s official prediction on the fight.
