Arreola faces Maurenzo Smith on Wilder-Fury undercard

Chris Arreola (36-5-1, 31 KO), one of the most exciting heavyweights over the last decade, will return to the ring after a 2 1/2 year hiatus to face Maurenzo Smith (20-10-4, 13 KO).

Arreola vs Smith will take place December 1 in Los Angeles and on the Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury undercard, and will serve as Arreola's first fight in nearly 2 1/2 years.

Perhaps the break is just what the 37 year old needed as he's just 2-3-1-1NC in his last seven bouts.

So, who is Maurenzo Smith?

The 41 year old is unbeaten in his last 9 fights (8-0-1) and has been quite active the last two years, fighting nine times since April 2016.

And yes, Smith has some familiar names on his ledger including Joey Abell, Adam Kownacki, Shannon Briggs, Charles Martin, Vinny Maddalone and Andy Ruiz, Jr. However, sans the draw to Maddalone in 2013, Smith has been silenced every time he's stepped in the ring with a name opponent.

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Maurenzo Smith
BoxRec Rank | Heavyweights
World: 177 / 1,217
U.S: 46 / 326
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Let's not forget Arreola is coming off a layoff while Smith has been very active - and winning. Moreover, Chris hasn't sizzled since his first round KO of Seth Mitchell five years ago.

This fight might be more competitive than many would assume.

Maurenzo Smith sparring knockdown