Arreola Head Going To Roll, Stiverne Promises

ONTARIO, CALIF.-Heavyweights hit hard but can they back up words exchanged on Wednesday during a press conference?

“I don’t have anything to say,” said heavyweight contender Bermane Stiverne. “On Saturday night, I’m not here to just knockout you Chris. I’m here to chop your head off.”

Riverside’s Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola’s posture suddenly perked up. Then it was his turn to talk in front of the podium.

“Chop my head off?” asked Arreola who seemed to be on full alert from the comment tossed his way. “But in case you didn’t know, I’m a crazy X#!*^! guy!”

It was like dropping a decanter of nitroglycerine after Stiverne (22-1-1, 20 Kos; seen on the left, with Arreola on the right, in Al Applerose photo) uttered those words. He faces Arreola (35-2, 30 Kos) on Saturday April 27, at Citizens Business Bank Arena. HBO will televise the confrontation that begins in the early afternoon.

Stiverne, who fights for Don King Promotions, said he’s targeted this fight for three years and looks forward to finally getting recognition. He promises a do or die effort against Arreola.

“You can’t break my will. I’m from Haiti,” said Stiverne to Arreola seated a few feet away. “You beat me you got to kill me. I will knock you out. Definitely.”

Arreola seemed to be holding back the reins on his anger and tossed out one of his amusing retorts.

“You may be going home a little sad. So I’ll send you a little fruit basket,” said Arreola, adding that the other fights being televised from Argentina and featuring middleweight champion Sergio Martinez and welterweight contender Carlos Abregu, will be fluff compared to the heavyweight clash. “Ain’t nobody going to be talking about Abregu.”

The winner has been promised a shot at the WBC title whether it’s Vitali Klitschko or someone else should the Ukrainian fighter retire.

Dan Goossen, president of Goossen-Tutor Promotions, said that Arreola has been seeking another world title opportunity and realizes the importance of this fight coming up. He also understands what makes Arreola tick and those pointed threats are like fuses.

“You don’t know Chris Arreola. This is what makes him crazy. This is what makes him unpredictable,” said Goossen with a sly grin.

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