I think Areola could have beaten stiverne, that real long lay off hurt him, over a year long, he looked a bit rusty. He could be a good fighter, he has all the tools, even after so much delays his weight still didnt go down. I think same with Seth Mitchell, before he fought Banks, there were considerable delays, he needs to keep himself busy, i think this factor will cost him in the rematch against bank. these fighters should have kept themselves busy. Areola still could be a force in the HW division, i think he needs to build again, fight many fights, get that ring generalship, how long is he gonna lay off until we see him again, he needs to get back on the boat.
if you look closer, Stiverne also had a year layoff prior to the Arreola bout the conclusion is simple, Arreola is a lazy slob who wasted away his talent similar to Solis, Stiverne was just the hungrier fighter who wanted the win and mandatory position more
His lack of discipline is what hurts him! When does he ever come in shape? Fighters of today don't take the time to refine their craft or do the things necessary to take themselves to the next level. At least todays Heavy weights.
Both men had long layoffs. The difference is that Cris ballooned up during his layoff. I saw Cris last summer and he looked much fitter than when he stepped on the scales. In fact, he was fitter than when he fought Vitali and Adamek. I thought he had turned a corner. Well, I was wrong. In the six months between then and the fight Cris added at least 20 non-muscular pounds.
Even at an optimum weight, I don't think Arreola would win against Stiverne. Stiverne is more skilled period.
To me people just don't get who Arreola is as a fighter. Arreola could have been in perfect shape, been active, and as ready as ready could be physically for the fight, he would have still lost. His L had nothing to do with his shape or form, and everything to do with his quality as a fighter and the way he fights. He would have lost regardless of shape or activity, and conversely, he could have won the fight in the shape he was in. He just fought (fights) stupid against a guy he couldn't afford to fight stupid against.
14 months lay off + the last fight being only 1 round can really hurt you, personally I can vouch for how not boxing for a while can actually affect you when you go back in the ring. But IMO enough rounds of sparring should be good enough to shake the cobwebs. How about removing some of that fat also? A guy like Floyd Mayweather would tell Arreola, what lay off?
There is no need to talk about Arreolas weight, training,lay-off or whatnot anymore. We have seen what he can do and we know his level. He got a severe beating from the champ and from two contenders. He is a good journeyman, nothing more. He brings entertainment. Thats about it.
TBH. Stiverne could have probably knocked Arreola out if he wanted to. Chris was very brave, but he was beaten up good and proper! Especially in the 12th round.
Or he's just not that good Stiverne hadn't fought for a similar time period, you;re clutching at straws
"Inactivity ruins a fighter" - Cus D'Amato I noticed Mike Perez and Dereck Chisora didn't look nearly as good in their recent fights after long layoffs. I believe there is lots of talent in the current heavyweight division. However, many of the good ones (Perez, Dinu, Boytsov, etc) have been poorly managed/promoted and so never reach their potential.