By Carlos Boogs
Heavyweight contender Chris 'The Nightmare' Arreola (36-4-1, 31 KOs) is eager to make good on his third and likely final title opportunity.
On July 16th, Arreola will challenge undefeated World Boxing Council [WBC] heavyweight world champion Deontay "The Bronze Bomber" Wilder (36-0, 35 KOs) on Saturday, July 16 from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.
Wilder-Arreola will be the televised main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportes with televised coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Wilder returns to the ring after he was set to travel to Russia and defend his title against Alexander Povetkin on May 21 before the challenger failed a drug test that caused a cancellation of the fight.
Arreola previously challenged for the WBC title on two occasions, and he was knocked out by Vitali Klitschko and Bermane Stiverne. He realizes that everyone is counting him out and the opportunity - if he loses - will likely be his last with a major title involved.
Arreola struggled to win a close twelve round split decision over Travis Kauffman last December. In the aftermath, he tested positive for marijuana and the fight result was changed to a no-contest.
"His power is at the end of his punch. His power is at the snap of the punch, so I really have to mug him. I really gotta make his night a living hell. This is my third title shot and these titles shots don't come around too often. I have to make the best out of it and that's why I have to go all out, I have to. Like I've said, third title shot and it doesn't come around that often. I have something to prove. I still believe that I have something in me. I still believe that I'm one of the best heavyweights out there in the world and I have to prove it," Arreola said.
"I'm very grateful for the shot. I have to optimize myself. I have to optimize my training and make everything count because it could be my last shot. Yes I have to train, yes I have to work hard and yes I have to come in here and upset this man in his backyard. At the end of the day, there is more pressure on him than me. It's in his backyard, it's his title and I have everything to gain and nothing to lose."
