Luis Arias wants the best at 154!
For Luis Arias (19-3-1, 9KOs), 2021 has been filled with ups and downs. Back in June, he pulled off a major upset when he thoroughly dominated former unified junior middleweight champion Jarrett Hurd (24-2, 16KOs) to win a split decision. However, nearly six months later, on December 5, he would lose a questionable split decision to Vaughn Alexander.
One may think the loss would be detrimental to his confidence. Well, it’s the total opposite. The loss seems to have lit an even bigger fire in his belly as he gears up for a 2022 title run. The junior middleweight contender wants smoke with all who deem themselves the top of the junior middleweight division.
Speaking to fighthype.com, Arias discussed the loss to Alexander, and his belief that none of the champions at 154 can hurt him.
On loss to Alexander:
“I just felt like it was a bullshit decision, you know what I mean. Before people start complaining and talking shit, talking about I’m making excuses. Let’s not act like bad judging hasn’t been a big topic in boxing throughout the years. Last week, I got a sample of that.”
“I wouldn’t have had to fight that type of guy if these so called 154 pound champions and challengers would just step up. Vaughn is a 168-pound prison champion, big, strong, cock diesel dude.
But these 154 pound guys just don’t want to fight me. So, I was willing to fight whoever and that’s who they brought. But it is what it is. Eventually these so call top 154 pound guys will step up and like I said I’ll be ready. Y’all saw what I did to the last former 154 pound champion, dominated him. They can’t hurt me they’re too small, I’m telling you I’m gone be champ at 154.”
That’s very bold talk from Arias. However, you have to admit, with the way he handled Jarrett Hurd, a huge junior middleweight, there may be some validity to what he’s saying. While it’s true that styles make fights and every fighter is different, his mentally is “come and prove it”. He also fought at middleweight until recently, so his comments may be attributed to that as well. While the loss to Alexander doesn’t look good on paper, he still can hang his hat on thoroughly dominating Hurd.
Let’s hope he gets a chance to test out what he believes to be true against one of the elite guys in his division.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
By: Jerrell Fletchewr
