May 17, 2024

Chris Arreola to return on Wilder-Fury card

The heavyweight veteran plans to return to boxing.

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Former world title challenger Chris Arreola hasn’t fought since the summer of 2016, when he was stopped by Deontay Wilder, but the 37-year-old veteran is planning a comeback, according to ESPN, and will be part of the non-televised undercard of the Wilder-Fury event on December 1 in Los Angeles.

Arreola (36-5-1, 31 KO) has had his share of ups and downs in the sport, turning pro back in 2003 and brawling his way to a WBC title shot against Vitali Klitschko in 2009. Klitschko absolutely dominated the fight, breaking Arreola down and stopping him after 10 rounds. Arreola promised to get himself into better condition after that reality check, but never really did — in fact, he came in heavier for his next bout.

He lost to Tomasz Adamek in 2010, then went on a run of six straight wins before losing to Bermane Stiverne in 2013. The two rematched in 2014 for the vacant WBC belt, with Stiverne stopping Arreola this time.

Arreola never really got going again after that defeat. He drew with Fred Kassi in 2015, and had a controversial win over Travis Kauffman later that year changed to a no decision when Arreola failed a drug test, testing positive for marijuana.

He received a third title shot in 2016 against Wilder, and was predictably stopped after eight rounds in a one-sided fight.

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