By Francisco Salazar
Heavyweight Chris Arreola has advised Boxingscene.com that he is likely to return to the ring in late January or February.
Arreola has not fought since losing by technical knockout in the sixth round to Bermane Stiverne on May 10 in Los Angeles.
While no opponent is lined up for Arreola (35-4, 31 KOs), there could be a possibility Arreola may face Antonio Tarver later in 2015. Tarver knocked out Johnathon Banks in the seventh round at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California on Thursday night. Arreola was ringside during the Goossen Promotions fight card.
Asked if a fight with Tarver in 2015 is a possibility, Arreola sounded optimistic after an alleged exchange between him and Tarver.
"That (person) came up to me after the fight and said 'I hope your elbow feels better,'" said Arreola, as Tarver referenced to the surgery Arreola had on his elbow after the Stiverne fight. "That's fine. I'll fight him and kick his ass."
While it is highly unlikely Tarver may fight in during the same time frame Arreola says he will return to the ring, it could be an attractive bout between the two outspoken fighters later in 2015.
Both fighters are advised by Al Haymon.
Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Salazar also covers boxing for the Ventura County (CA) Star newspaper, RingTV, and Knockout Nation. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing