By John F. McKenna (McJack): Chris Arreola (32-2, 28 KO’s) acknowledged to the press that he put in a poor performance against journeyman Friday Ahunanya (24-5-3, 13 KO’s) Saturday night in Atlantic City. Chris won the fight but he was not the least bit impressive.

Ahunanya was supposed to be a stepping stone for Arreola in his quest to get a title shot.

Chris has been mentioned as a possible future opponent for IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (56-3, 49 KO’s).

Arreola’s analysis of his showing against Ahunanya was refreshing as he did not make any excuses when he spoke with reporters following the fight. “I just couldn’t pull the trigger,” was his initial comment as reported in PhilBoxing.com. When one of the reporters stated that Ahunanya had previously been knocked out, Arreola replied “I should have knocked him out too.”

Arreola went on to say that Ahunanya had a good chin, but no offense. Arreola said the he was very embarrassed by his performance and even compared it to that of David Haye’s recent outing against Wladimir Klitschko. “I almost look as bad as Haye did.” That comment drew laughter from the press, some of whom told him that his performance was much better than Haye’s.

Arreola was humble in the aftermath of the fight knowing that much is expected of him.
Chris had knocked out three straight opponents prior to Saturday night. Ahunanya had lost in his last two outings, but refused to be a willing KO victim against Arreola.

Arreola took full responsibility for his poor showing. When asked if he would be willing to fight an elimination fight with Haye, Arreola responded by saying “Well, David is already eliminated. He is already out of the race. He shouldn’t even be talking right now. Haye should be home resting and thinking about his life.” That comment brought smiles from the reporters gathered around Arreola.

Chris Arreola lost his first shot at the title when he was TKO’d after the 10th round by World Boxing Council (WBC) Vitali Klitschko in September 2009. Since that fight he has won seven fights and lost one. The one loss was by decision to Tomasz Adamek, who faces Vitali on Sept 10.

Arreola a few months ago decided to heed the advice of his trainers and get into shape. Even in his fight against Vitali Klitschko, Chris carried at least twenty five pounds of excess weight around his middle when he stepped into the ring.

Arreola is only too well aware that he needs to be impressive in his next fight if he is to be taken seriously as a possible opponent for Wladimir Klitschko.