Preview: Seth Mitchell vs Chris Arreola
Seth Mitchell workout photos by Gautham for StiffJab.com
by Gautham Nagesh
There are many reasons for the title of this site, but its primary virtue is versatility. A stiff jab can be many things: the most direct form of attack, a punishing blow in its own right. But also a tool of manipulation, a vehicle to gain control. A vanguard to presage more serious attacks, and a disguise to conceal crucial weaknesses. Most importantly for Southern Maryland heavyweight Seth Mitchell, a jab can be the strongest armor a fighter has inside the ring.
Tonight, Mitchell will step into the ring on Showtime to face veteran contender Chris Arreola at Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in Indio, Calif.I like Arreola, and won’t be covering this fight in person, or even watching it live on TV, since I’ll be ringside at Rosecroft Raceway. The result will be known long before my report graces this website, so I won’t even attempt impartiality: I hope Seth wins. It would be a great story for this site, and for the local boxing scene. Mitchell’s humility is a breath of fresh air in the sport, and his respect for his craft deserves some reward. But in fighting, as in life, deserve has little to do with anything.
Chris Arreola is a disappointment to some, thanks to his well-documented issues with weight and fitness over the course of his career. Of late he has morphed into the gatekeeper of the top division, the last hurdle separating true contenders from mere also-rans. He is a formidable test, and most don’t believe Mitchell will be able to pass. Arreola is strong, takes a good punch, and is a better boxer than he is given credit for. Most significantly, he packs thunder in his right hand. It is hard to see Mitchell absorbing a flush right from Arreola without at least tasting the canvas.
That is why Mitchell must do what he did against Johnathon Banks (and in the pictures above) and patiently jab his way to success, while ignoring the likely displeasure of those that paid to see a heavyweight bloodbath. Only by jabbing, moving, and refusing to engage the strong but often sluggish Arreola can Mitchell achieve success. Even using this strategy, there will be moments of danger, and Mitchell must land hard blows to keep Arreola at bay. Still, the former Michigan State linebacker must out-box Arreola for 12 rounds to win.
Photo by Esther Lin for Showtime[[MORE]]
It is a tall order, considering Arreola has been in the ring much longer than Mitchell. However, Seth does have advantages, starting with his athleticism and conditioning. Forcing Arreola to chase him, or even move laterally, could tire the traditionally undisciplined Californian. If Arreola can’t get to Mitchell in the early rounds, the odds are good that he may grow frustrated, and even reckless. That’s when Mitchell can make him pay, most likely via a massive left hook like the one that shook Timur Ibragimov.
If this turns into a firefight, or Mitchell chooses to stand and trade, he most likely won’t see the final bell. Arreola has shown the ability to win that type of fight, losses against Bermane Stiverne and Tomasz Adamek not withstanding. But the Adamek fight showed that Arreola can be out-boxed, while the Stiverne bout hinted at a loss of interest in the sport at large. Arreola’s performance tonight will either launch him back into the thick of the heavyweight scene, or firmly confine him to the margins of contention.
As for Mitchell, the goal is clear. Boxing is his job, and how he supports his family. A shot at the heavyweight crown held by Wladimir Klitschko would likely provide security for many years, and that is his goal. Beating Arreola, however he does it, would put him on the precipice of achieving that dream. Losing this fight may prevent it from ever happening. Arreola has been to the mountaintop once already, and been found wanting against Vitali Klitschko. It is hard not to hope that Mitchell also gets his chance.
Of course getting a shot at the crown and seizing it are two different matters. I have no illusions about Mitchell’s chances at present against a Klitschko. The beauty of boxing is that both of these men will have the chance to make me eat my words, starting tonight. Any win by Mitchell would qualify as dramatic, while a spectacular stoppage by Arreola may re-kindle interest in his career from the disillusioned fans. The winner will undoubtedly have a chance at bigger and better things; the loser’s climb will only get steeper and less forgiving.
Win tonight, and all things are possible, for both Seth Mitchell, and Chris Arreola. For Arreola, winning will be a matter of desire, focus, and avoiding prolonged idle periods in the fight. He must press the action, and bring the fight to Mitchell. For Seth, he must stay away. Stick that massive bear paw in Arreola’s face, and step off to either side as quickly as he can. Jab your way to victory young man. It may not be pretty, but it works.