Chris Arreola and Tomasz Adamek Need A Win For A Title Bid

Controversy was averted when Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola called his future opponent Tomasz Adamek a “medicated heavyweight” and then added that he did not mean illegal substances.

“It could mean over the counter,” Arreola said.

Sparring continues for heavyweight contender Arreola (28-1, 25 KOs) and training stopped for a moment in Wednesday morning for a telephone conference call with the Riverside fighter and Poland’s Adamek (40-1, 27 KOs). Both will meet on April 24 at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, a quick drive from Riverside.

Both fighters are dead set on moving into heavyweight championship territory and both know that a win is necessary to keep the dream intact.

“Talk is cheap,” said Adamek about recent comments by Wladimir Klitschko regarding the heavyweight picture. “Outside of the ring he (Klitschko) can say whatever he wants. I plan to change his mind. I want to be a world champion.”

Arreola, who lost decisively to Vitali Klitschko last September, says the loss has left a scar that he wants to heal with another world title match.

“After losing to Vitali Klitschko I’m out to win a world title,” said Arreola. “I still have to prove I know how to fight and I know how to win.”

On Tuesday afternoon Arreola sparred a fast-paced nine rounds with a trio of quick heavyweights that included Fres Oquendo, Lateef Kayode and Ashanti Jordan. The action was brisk as all three fighters are known for being able to hit and move.

“Fres Oquendo is a crafty veteran,” said Arreola who often told the other fighters: “don’t let up. Give me your best.”

At times sparring partners would hit and escape counters but in other times they would be met with unforeseen blows.

Weight wise it was difficult to determine if Arreola was over or under his previous weights seen against Brian Minto and Klitschko. Despite that, the Riverside’s stamina was in true form as he did not labor during the nine rounds of quick movement.

“Honestly I don’t think he’s going to fight me the way he fought in the lower divisions,” Arreola said during the conference call. “Personally, I’m hoping he does but honestly he’s not going to fight me the same way.”

Adamek said he enjoys fighting heavyweights and proving his ability.

“I don’t plan to go down after one two or three punches from Chris. The way we have trained the last 8 weeks will bring me the success and expose what we want to expose,” said Adamek who won world titles in the light heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions.

“This is what I wanted this is my natural progression. I realize how tough Chris Arreola is. It gives me natural motivation. The tougher it goes the better I am.”

Arreola knows that Adamek is no pushover.

“I take nothing away from him as a fighter. He won championships in two different divisions. Am I disrespected by that? No. Am I motivated? Absolutely. I take that as an honor.”

Only 10 days remain until the two heavyweights collide in Ontario, California. The fight card also includes Alfredo “Perro” Angulo facing Colombia’s Joel Julio in a junior middleweight clash.

For tickets and information (909) 244-5600. Tickets start at $25. The fight card called “Ring of Fire” is sponsored by San Manuel Casino and Corona Beer.