Arreola-Stiverne 2: New lows

By Boxing News - 05/13/2014 - Comments

stiverne43333(Photo credit: Naoki Fakuda) By Steve Davis: Having just watched the WBC world heavyweight championship from last Saturday night, Bermane stiverne beating Chris Arreola via sixth round stoppage, my heart went out to Arreola, who for me out-boxed his opponent for six rounds until being caught by a hard punch. It also raised the question how has Bermane Stiverne become heavyweight champion.

He reminded me of an eighties heavyweight, a journeyman, fleshy round the middle boxing from the outside, lazy looking, hands held low, throwing mainly single shots. What has the heavyweight division come to, after seeing Alex leapei get a shot at a title, I didn’t think it could get much worse.

To be fair Arreola is not the best, but on the night fought like a champion, came to fight and was way ahead after six rounds. Stiverne finish was impressive but I feel he just got lucky on the night. Let’s be clear, unless Stiverne finds a ringer to fight in his first defense, he’s not holding that title for long. At times Arreola had Stiverne on the ropes and had him for a punchbag. Can you imagine what a top fighter would do to him. Deontay Wilder must be licking his lips. He would destroy Stiverne, if Wilder starts fast, it wouldn’t go a round and I feel Stiverne will do all he can to put that fight off.

Maybe have another 13 months off, trying to make a Klitschko fight. Wladimar would toy with him, stopping him in 5 rounds. British fighters like Tyson Fury, Dereck Chisora, David Haye would have no trouble beating Stiverne. I bet they are at home thinking how as this happened. Looking at his record apart from beating Chris Arreola, how has this man even got a title shot, he hasn’t fought anyone of note. In 2009 was held to a six round draw by a Charles Davis and was stopped in 2007 by Dementrice king in four rounds.

The only other fighter I recognize on his record is Ray Austin who he stopped in ten way back in 2010. It hardly sets the pulse facing. The WBC should be asking themselves some serious questions. The heavyweight division has sunk to a new low.



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