This Saturday night at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ, to be televised live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing 9:30 PM ET/6:30 PM PT, heavyweight contender Brian “The Beast” Minto 34-2 (21) faces his toughest task as he squares off against the hard hitting former world title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola 27-1 (24) in a scheduled ten round heavyweight bout.
Minto, a Butler born blue collar boxer is riding a seven fight win streak, and in his seven year career has earned victories over the likes of Axel Schulz (6th R. TKO), not one but two knock out victories over Vinny Maddalone, and holds a fourth round technical decision over the previously unbeaten Donnell Holmes.
Now Minto takes on the tough as nails Chris Arreola, who last saw action in a whole hearted losing effort against heavyweight titlist Vitali Klitschko.
When these two fighters take center stage, it should be a hellacious throw down. For now, read on to see what Minto had to say on his upcoming bout, enjoy.
Benny Henderson Jr.
You have the fight coming up this Saturday night against Chris Arreola, it is a fight you have been calling on for, for a while now, your thoughts on finally getting the bout.
Brian Minto
Well, I am glad I was in the gym when they called, I accepted the challenge, it is going to be a big risk for me, probably my toughest fight to date, but I am ready. But you have to take risks to be successful.
BH
We have seen Arreola fight numerous times, looking at Arreola’s style, what do you feel with be a problem for you and what do you feel you can expose?
BM
A lot of guys in the heavyweight division are bigger than me, so obviously the size. But I am prepared for that, Arreola, is a warrior, he is tough, he has heart and a chin. I think I have the quickness; I am going to have to use my legs and my head and not get into a slugging match with the guy. I am going to have to be careful and win rounds, not stand in front of him like I have seen other fighters do. He will get you out of there if you stand in front of him.
BH
You and I have spoken before on you wanting to fight Arreola, now you get it, how much does it mean for you to finally get to step in the ring with Arreola?
BM
Yes it means a lot, kind of weird how it happened, I just watched the guy fight on HBO for the title, and actually I was rooting for him. I think Chris and I are both exciting guys to watch, I mean hey, one of us could be taking a fall that night, I just think it is going to be a fireworks type of fight. Arreola is bigger than me, but I think I make up for it with the size of my heart and determination. I have not been stopped in thirty-six fights, and I think that tells the boxing world that I have a pretty good jaw.
BH
Do you feel like this is the time for Brian Minto to shine?
BM
Yes it is, I believed the Lord opened up the doors for me after the last fight, I am still declared the winner over Holmes, but I wanted it to end better. But things happen, and I think God has put me in this spot for a reason. This is a win, win situation for me, I am pretty excited with the opportunity, and I am coming to fight.
BH
If you could send a message out to Chris Arreola before the fight, what would that message be?
BM
Good luck, I am not going to get cocky, I am going to get in the ring and let my gloves do the talking. It is a blessing for me. Something tells me Chris is under estimating me. I think it is the right time for me.
BH
What do you expect come fight night?
BM
Oh, I expect him to come out like a bull in a china closet. There is nothing special he is going to do, he comes right at you throwing punches. There is no secret to what Arreola has. He is a warrior though, and I am not going to take anything away from him.
BH
What does a Minto versus Arreola bout bring to the heavyweight division?
BM
Excitement, a TV worthy fight, I think the fans will love it. You have two guys who are not the tactical fighter like the Klitschko’s, jab, jab right hand. We both take risks and we will test each others will.
BH
Anything you want to add to or say in closing?
BM
I think it is going to be a great night and I am grateful for this opportunity, and to my fans out there I am going to give it all I’ve got.
Benny Henderson Jr.
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