Chris Arreola and the Best of the Boxing Bridesmaids

How does the old saying go? Always a bridesmaid, but never a bride?

There was plenty of high hopes that Chris Arreola was going to bring back the Heavyweight title to America last weekend. The hotly popular Mexican-American, who had been a victim of his own self-sabatoge for his poor conditioning, looked like he had finally turned the corner in his career and was ready to avenge his loss to Bermane Stiverne and win the Heavyweight title at his second at bat.

Unfortunately for Arreola, the stars were lined up for the guy across the ring. Stiverne pummeled Arreola over the course of six rounds and earned the stoppage win after two hard knockdowns. The 32-year-old Arreola isn't quite outside of the bubble at Heavyweight and figures to still find a big fight along the way, but another loss at the top level has left a severe blow in regards to his title aspirations.

Arreola's inability thus far to live up to the potential many saw in him isn't anything new in the fight game. There have been plenty of amateur standouts, Olympic stars and heavily touted prospects who's greatest achievements were being products of hype and could never get over the hump that separates being good from being great.

In his honor, here are some the best "bridesmaids" of recent memory and their failed attempts to cross over to the championship level.

Oba Carr (54-6-1, 31 KO)
Years active: 1989-2002
Record in world title fights: 0-3 (KO 2)
As good as it got: After scoring a 2nd round knockdown of Felix Trinidad, Carr himself would get dropped and stopped six rounds later.

A product of the legendary Kronk Gym in Detroit, Carr was a staple in the very talented Welterweight class of the 1990s. Carr had big wins over the likes of former champions Frankie Randall and Ramon "Yori Boy" Campas, but was out of his depth against Felix Trinidad (KO 8), Ike Quartey (MD12) and Oscar De La Hoya (KO 11). After the loss to De La Hoya, Carr never regained his top-level form and quietly retired in 2002.


Rocky Juarez
Years active: 2001-Present
Record in world title fights: 0-4-1
As good as it got: Receiving a generous draw against lineal Featherweight champion Chris John.

The former 2000 silver medalist could very well be the poster child for championship futility. With an incredible amateur pedigree, Houston's Juarez never was able to reach the elite level once he turned pro in 2001. In his five title fights Juarez ranged from being competitive such as his split decision loss to Marco Antonio Barrera and draw to Chris John, or non-competitive in those respective rematches. The draw to John signified the end of Juarez's career as a top talent, going a shocking 1-6 ever since.

Edison Miranda (35-9, 30 KO)
Years active: 2001-Present
Record in world title fights: 0-2 (1 KO)
As good as it got: Breaking Arthur Abraham's jaw, but falling short on the cards in Middleweight clash.

It's hard to believe, but there was a time where Edison Miranda was being positioned as the future of the Middleweight division thanks to his brash attitude and tremendous punching power. Miranda's loss to Abraham propelled him to the top of the Middleweight division where he was toppled handily by future champion Kelly Pavlik, and it would take three more years until his last title shot where he was knocked out by Lucian Bute. Now a gatekeeper, Miranda has gone 2-3 in his last five fights.



Angel Manfredy (43-8-1, 32 KO)
Years active: 1993-2004
Record in world title fights: 0-4 (2 KO)
As good as it got: Manfredy was the betting favorite ahead of his loss to Lightweight champion Stevie Johnson.

Manfredy was one of the more popular fighters in the lighter weight classes of the previous decade with plenty of talent, but his only problem was being good in an era where his division had truly great fighters. He scored wins over future champions Arturo Gatti, Ivan Robinson and Julio Diaz, but could never make it over the hump when he was positioned for championship glory. Manfredy's losses came to Floyd Mayweather (KO 2), Stevie Johnston (UD 12), Diego Corrales (KO 3) and Paul Spadafora (UD 12).


David Tua (52-5-2, 43 KO)
Years active: 1992-2013
Record in world title fights: 0-1
As good as it got: In his lone title fight, Tua looked flat and out of his depth against Lennox Lewis.

Known for his explosive power, Tua had knockout wins over the likes of John Ruiz, Hasim Rahman, Fres Oquendo, Oleg Maskaev and Michael Moorer. Tua's vaunted power wasn't enough to crack the delicate chin of Lennox Lewis in his only championship appearance, and Lewis landed three punches every time Tua landed one in a dominating performance. A loss to Chris Byrd and a draw against Rahman in their rematch pretty much ended Tua's run as a top Heavyweight; he fought mediocre opposition until back-to-back losses against Monte Barrett and Alexander Ustinov signaled his retirement last year.