“You’d better be in shape, you’d better have trained. There’s going to be a volcanic eruption on Saturday, we’re coming back with that belt, and there’s no way you’re going take it from us. lock the doors, run for cover, there’s a new champion on the horizon, and it’s Mike Arnaoutis,” said Mike Michael.
 
Mike Michael is brash, confident and boisterous. He is also the type of man you want in a fox hole with your. When the you know what hits the fan you need a Mike Michael in your corner. He is the type of guy you love on your team and once he is wearing another uniform, you hate him. As I jotted down the words that emitted from his mouth and on to my notebook, I had to restrain myself from getting down and cranking out push ups. If you cant get fired up hearing Mike Michael talk boxing than your pulse needs to be checked.
 
Besides Michael being the uninhibited homer he is also the driving force behind one of the budding stars in boxing today, “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis. Arnaoutis looks to step up to the plate and deliver for his native Greece, what only one man has been able to bring, and that’s a world title. Anton Christoforidis is the one and only world champion that the Mediterranean nation of Greece has ever produced. Christoforidis held a version of the light heavyweight title in 1941. On Saturday night when the undefeated Arnaoutis (17-0, with 9 knockouts) faces Ricardo Torres this streak could end. The Athens born, Arnaoutis and the Colombian born Torres will battle for the vacated WBO, junior welterweight title. This is the same strap that Miguel Cotto, vacated in favor of challenging for the 147 pound championship.
 
Since 2004 Arnaoutis has fought competition that is arguably stronger than any other top 140 pound  contender. As of today Arnaoutis’ most impressive showing was in the summer of 2004 when he went the distance against current IBF #4 ranked contender Juan Urango for a controversial draw. The Atlantic City based Arnaoutis on his resume can also boast knock out wins over the tough and awkward Jessie Feliciano in 2004. In most recent outings Arnaoutis has racked up two knockout wins over previously undefeated Jose Leo Moreno and Marc Thompson. Not only were these two fights stunning first round knockout but jointly both bouts lasted less than one full completed round.  His most recent win came in April of this year when he took care of journeyman Mike Walker. Also earlier in the year Arnaoutis was supposed to have had his step this past summer against Vivian Harris. A cut during trainer caused the cancellation of this bout.
 
“I try to tell people about Mike’s contemporaries they are good but there are no equals. Mike is the cream of the crop and just a special talent and a special fighter, Mike is head and shoulders ahead of anyone. Who else out there went from fighting 6 round fights to jumping to 12 round fights? The answer is Mike when he faced Urango in his 12th fight as a pro”, stated Michael.
 
“Mighty” Mike who was born and raised in Athens, Greece is well aware of the history that is behind this fight against the hard hitting Torres.
 
“I’m very happy to get back into the ring we had a great camp like always. I have been hard in the gym. Every day I go to the gym I improve and work hard on getting better. I am ready to make my dream a reality”, stated Arnaoutis.
 
"I am ready for this fight and am ready to win the title for all of Greece.  Cestus Management has prepared me for this moment and I feel that the title belongs to me.  It has been a long time coming now and I know that I will not leave Las Vegas without the WBO title.  Thank you to everyone for all of your love and support and I will not let anyone down on Saturday night,"   stated Arnaoutis. 

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