"Mighty" Mike is maximized!

May 7, 2008
Report: Rick Scharmberg
Photos: Marty Rosengarten

USBA super lightweight champion "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis (18-2-2, 9 KOs) will make the first defense of his title this Friday night at Bally's Hotel and Casino, in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Arnaoutis will face unbeaten Lanardo Tyner (19-0, 11 KOs) of Detroit, Michigan in the twelve-round main event, which will be televised live on ESPN2. Arnaoutis won the title last March with a unanimous decision over Harrison Cuello, in New York City. Prior to the Cuello fight, "Mighty" Mike dropped a controversial split decision to current champion Ricardo Torres in a bid for the vacant WBO title, followed by a unanimous decision loss to Kendall Holt.

Arnaoutis hopes that a victory over Tyner will propel him into another title shot later this year.

Arnaoutis, 28, was born in Athens, Greece, and after a decorated amateur career, moved to the United States to turn pro. "I came to South Philly in 2000 and I moved to Atlantic City in 2004," he said. "I train at the PAL gym in Atlantic City, and I trained at the Front Street Gym when I was in Philly."

Arnaoutis, a 5'10" southpaw, will hold a decided four inch height advantage over Lanardo Tyner.

"He is tough, strong and he is undefeated. I saw on the tape that he is open. He goes to the body and comes back with the right hand. He is not a dangerous fighter," said the confident USBA champion.

"I am very happy to be fighting in Atlantic City because I have been traveling to places like California, Miami, and Las Vegas," outlined Arnaoutis. "In Atlantic City, many people are coming to see me. There are many Greek people coming, and the fight sold out. I am very happy."

Arnaoutis, who is ranked-#10 in the WBO, suffered a heartbreaking loss to Torres for the vacant world title back on November 11, 2006. "Mighty" Mike is convinced that he won that fight, even thought he fought at less than his best.

"I had big problems last time with ulcers," he explained. "I had 20 per cent to give and I still thought I won that fight. It is OK though, because everyone knows I won. The fans say I won the fight. HBO and Showtime gave me the fight. All the boxing websites gave me the fight."

He is just as convinced he will win a rematch with Torres.

"I have been boxing 17 years, I had a long amateur career," he continued. "This is a different story. I will finish this fight [with Tyner], then I will come again for Torres. I have respect for him. He is a champion and has defended his title two or three times. He is a sportsman. I am good now. I am healthy. I think I will stop him."

If he cannot get Torres right away, Arnaoutis has other options, once he gets past Tyner.

"I'll fight Torres, or [IBF champ] Paulie Malignaggi. I will fight Ricky Hatton in England or in Greece. In Greece, thirty thousand people will come to my fight. I am looking for big fights."

On May 25, Malignaggi and Hatton will fight in separate bouts in England. The script reads Malignaggi will defeat Lovemore N'Dou in their rematch, and Hatton will have a successful comeback off the Mayweather loss against Juan Lazcano, with the winners to meet. Arnaoutis would love to inject himself into that mix.

"Malignaggi is a good technician. Everybody knows he doesn't have the big punch, but he is smart, has good legs, and moves nice in the ring," he said.

"I think Malignaggi will fight Hatton. I really don't know who will win," stated Mike. "Hatton has the better style for me. [Juan] Urango has almost the same style as Hatton, but Urango is stronger. I beat him [in 2004], but they gave me a draw. I would like to fight for the championship, maybe the WBO or maybe the IBF."

For now, any plans to move up to welterweight are on hold, but he does not rule it out. Arnaoutis would love to get in the ring with WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto.

"When I am outside the ring, I am 147, so I would like to become the world champion at 140," he said. "When I was ranked #1 in the WBO when Cotto was 140, I tried with all my power to fight him, but the politics prevented it. He changed weight classes because he is big. He weighed in at 140, but came into the ring at 159-160.

"Maybe next year or in two years I will fight Cotto. He is the best fighter at 147, better than Floyd Mayweather, better than everybody. He is strong, and every punch is for the knockout," said "Mighty" Mike.

With potential super-fights against Cotto, or possibly Malignaggi or Hatton looming on the distant horizon, Arnaoutis has unfinished business at hand. First, he must get by Tyner this Saturday, and then set his sights on a rematch against WBO champion Torres.

"I would like to fight for the world championship this year. This is my year!" proclaimed Arnaoutis. "I am more focused with my new team, and I am working hard every day in the gym. I want to thank everyone. I love and respect everyone who believes in me. I truly believe I will win the world championship. Come to Bally's or see me on ESPN2. It will be a great fight!"

FightNews would like to thank Zeke Hartofilis for arranging the interview. In closing, Hartofilis added, "Mike is fighting for his family. He got married eight months ago, and is still a newlywed. His wife is expecting triplets on August 15. He is fighting for them."