LOS ANGELES – He is a Mexican warrior cut from the cloth of the greats who hail from the boxing-rich nation - Chavez, Barrera, Morales, Lopez, Olivares, Sanchez – and a fighter closing in on the prize no fighter from Mexico has ever held: the world heavyweight championship. 

This Friday, September 21, at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California, unbeaten Cristobal “The Nightmare” Arreola returns home to test himself against a concussive-punching knockout artist, 26-1 Thomas Hayes, in the main event of Telefutura’s Solo Boxeo.

This 10 round bout for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Championship, is presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions.  The Telefutura broadcast, which also features a super middleweight fight between San Jose’s Ricardo Cortes and veteran contender Fernando Zuniga, will air at 9pm ET / PT.

For tickets, priced at $75 (Ringside Seats), $45 (Reserved Seats) and $30 (General Admission), please call (714) 935-0900. 

A former National Golden Gloves Champion as an amateur, Riverside, California’s Cristobal Arreola (21-0, 19 KOs) has continued his success in the pro ranks, impressing fans and boxing insiders not only with his power and aggressive style, but with his poise in the ring.  Being 6 foot 4 and an imposing physical presence doesn’t hurt either, and in the last year the 26 year old’s career has really taken off thanks to TKO wins over fellow prospects Damian Wills and Malcolm Tann.  Currently ranked 12th by the WBC, Arreola is ready to make his move on the world titleholders in 2008.

Chicago native Thomas Hayes has flown under the heavyweight radar for much of his five year career, but one look at the numbers on his stellar 26-1 (18 KOs) record show that he is a force to be reckoned with, and one finally getting his chance to shine on the big stage.  Winner of 24 fights in a row since his lone defeat in 2003, the hard-hitting Hayes is coming off a third round stoppage of Jim Franklin, and he knows that a win over Arreola will propel him into the world rankings.

The co-featured bout on Friday, September 21st may prove to be just as explosive as the main event, when Ricardo Cortes (20-1-1, 14 KOs) steps up in class to battle seasoned veteran Fernando Zuniga (26-8, 20 KOs).  A staple on California fight cards, Cortes is one of the most popular fighters on the west coast today.  Now ready to step onto the national stage, Cortes, who has won ten in a row since his lone loss (which came via disqualification), will face a stern test in Ecuador’s Zuniga, who has been in with the likes of William Joppy, Charles Brewer, and Thomas Tate over the course of his 12 year career.  In his last fight, “Little Ali” knocked out Ernesto Zamora in four rounds on April 27.

Heading up the off-TV undercard is Rialto, California’s Dominic Salcido (14-0, 8 KOs), who will challenge for his first pro title against Fort Worth battler Jose Hernandez (7-1, 2 KOs).  Salcido, known for his blazing speed and footwork, was a highly touted amateur star, but he saw his early pro career stall due to a hand injury.  Fully healed, the 23-year old has fought an amazing six times already in 2007 (winning his last two bouts in the first round), and is rapidly making up for lost time, earning kudos as one of the fight game’s top young prospects along the way.  In Hernandez, Salcido will be facing a hard-nosed battler who is coming off an impressive win in his last bout, in August, over fellow prospect Noe Bolanos.

On the September 21st undercard, Cristobal Arreola won’t be the only one representing Riverside, as unbeaten welterweight Ramon Torres (2-0) takes on Oakland’s Dario Castillo (3-2), and junior middleweight Rafael Lopez (1-0, 1 KO) puts his perfect record on the line against an opponent to be determined.  Both fights are scheduled for four rounds.

A six round lightweight bout will pit one of the most accomplished US amateurs of recent years, Cleveland’s Cortez Bey (6-0, 4 KOs) against Moca, Puerto Rico’s Roberto Acevedo (2-2-3).  The 22-year old Bey will be looking for his fourth win of 2007.

Also in action, Pomona middleweight prospect Ivan Stovall (9-1, 6 KOs) will compete in a six rounder against Moca, Puerto Rico’s Anibal Acevedo (13-7-1, 11 KOs). 

Doors open at 3:30pm and the first bell rings at 4:30pm.  Bouts subject to change.