Chris Arreola’s Nickname: ‘How Did He Become ’The Nightmare?’

Published 04/30/2021, 9:00 AM EDT

Chris Arreola has always been a legitimate threat to the heavyweight division. Despite never being a world champion, the 40-year-old remains a massive roadblock to Andy Ruiz Jr and several other fighters’ bids for the championship shot.

Nicknamed ‘The Nightmare’, Arreola has justified his tag by walking through a division full of elites. He is a hard-hitter and being a multiple-time world title contender, he can rightfully be Andy Ruiz Jr’s nightmare on May 1.

However, there’s an interesting story behind how he picked up the nickname. It doesn’t seem to be quite a pleasant memory for Chris Arreola. However, he appeared delightful while sharing the story. Coming into the fight, the boxer connected with PBC, and recalled the night he became ‘The Nightmare’.

Article continues below this ad

“We are gonna go out to some party, we are gonna go out partying and s***. And I let this one guy cut my hair and. This guy gave me a full hawk. So, my fade was way the f*** up here. When I got to the house, sh**, I shaved my head, you know,” said Chris Arreola.

Chris Arreola’s Family: Parents, Children, Spouse, and More

He added, “I shaved it, I used the old clipper, and then I used the old razors so I had like all kind of razor bumps and s***. So, I had red scars in my head and then I had a lot of acne, and then I come out and my friend goes, ‘what the fu**, you look like Freddy Krueger’. So all night he was calling my Freddy Krueger. People thought my name is Freddy, and then it went to Krueger and then from Krueger in went to Nightmare.”

Can Chris Arreola challenge Andy Ruiz Jr. inside the ring?

The nearing heavyweight battle looks alluring and has grabbed the attention of the whole combat world. Although ‘The Destroyer’ seems to be the favorite on paper, his former training partner has the potential to shock the world. The duo is familiar with each other’s styles and abilities. Hence, in order to surprise the other, they will have to unleash a new weapon.

Article continues below this ad

The winner of the fight will get to take a step ahead towards the world title shot.

While the 31-year-old Ruiz Jr. looks sharp and confident, Arreola is seemingly in his final run for the belt. Hence, we might see him turn hungrier once the bell rings in a few hours’ time. ‘The Nightmare’ is a knockout elite and if he connects properly, there’s no coming back for Ruiz Jr.

Article continues below this ad

Who do you think will win? Andy Ruiz Jr. or Chris Arreola ?

“I Am Fighting This Fight for Me”- Chris Arreola Sends a Message Ahead of Facing Andy Ruiz Jr.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

A senior boxing writer at EssentiallySports, Raj Sarkar is a mass media graduate who is currently pursuing his master’s degree in broadcast journalism. In addition to his current role, he has worked with the MMA team at EssentiallySports and has interviewed prominent fighters such as Ritu Phogat and 'The Red King' Rory MacDonald. He combined his bachelor's degree with his adoration for combat sports and has a combined 2000 plus bylines in MMA and boxing over the last two years.

Chris Arreola’s Nickname: ‘How Did He Become ’The Nightmare?’

Can Chris Arreola challenge Andy Ruiz Jr. inside the ring?

Trending

Ryan Garcia Leaks His DMs With Bobbi Althoff in Recent Social Media Rampage

Heavyweight Boxer Fighting for His Life, Falls Into Coma After First-Round Knockout Loss

“You Can’t Make This Sh*t Up”: Ryan Garcia Threatens to Expose Jailyne Ojeda in Ugly Back and Forth

Gervonta Davis Shuts Down Shakur Stevenson With the Ultimate Disrespect as Verbal Exchange Heats Up

Ryan Garcia Net Worth in 2024: How Much Does He Get Paid Per Fight?