By John F. McKenna (McJack): Heavyweight contender Cris Arreola (34-2, 29 KO’s) will be taking on Eric Molina (18-1, 14 KO’s) on February 18 at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. Arreola’s promoter Dan Goosen believes that the “Nightmare” as Cris is known to his fans will land a title shot with WBA/IBF/IBO/WBO and Ring Magazine title holder Wladimir Klitschko (56-3, 49 KO’s) in 2012 if he gets past Molina.

Goosen is hopeful that if everything goes as planned, Cris will fight for Wladimir’s title belts in the late spring or early summer.

Molina has only one loss to mar his otherwise perfect record. Eric is handled by famed promoter Don King. The Molina camp believes that he will be successful at upsetting Arreola and possibly land a title shot of his own.

Arreola ushered in 2011 with a new slimmed down physique, shedding twenty plus pounds from around his middle. He stated candidly at the time that he was tired of showing up at post fight press conferences having to wear sun glasses to hide his swollen eyes and face. It seems to have paid off. The “Nightmare” kept busy last year winning all five of his fights. He acknowledged a year ago that it would take him time to acclimate to his lower weight. Cris went on record a year ago to say that he wanted to fight frequently to stay in shape. It was quite a reversal from the Arreola of old who insisted he was in shape while displaying rolls of fat around his middle.

Cris suffered his first loss in September 2009 when he attempted to take the title from WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (43-2, 40 KO’s). Vitali pounded Arreola into submission as the fight was stopped by Cris’s corner after the 10th round.

There are those who assert that Wladimir can be beaten. That may be true, but currently “Dr. Steelhammer” is on a roll, having won his last fourteen fights in a row. Wladimir has lost very few rounds during that run and has not lost a fight since April 2004. Wladimir is now enjoying one of the longest title reigns in heavyweight history.

Arreola is determined to become the first Mexican – American heavyweight champion in history.