Andrei Arlovski's trainer: "Nothing set" for pro boxing debut

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Andrei Arlovski's trainer: "Nothing set" for pro boxing debut | MMAjunkie.com
by John Morgan on Jul 09, 2008 at 5:06 pm ET

Despite a recent report of a possible September bout, legendary boxing trainer Freddie Roach says his new pupil, MMA superstar Andrei Arlovski (12-5), has not yet finalized plans for a professional boxing debut.

Roach and Arlovski each addressed the media in a conference call today promoting Arlovski's bout with fellow heavyweight Ben Rothwell at "Affliction: Banned," which takes place July 19 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

"I've been training Andrei for boxing, yes," Roach said. "I know he has a future in boxing, of course. But I don't believe there's anything set out there."

ESPN.com previously reported that Arlovski would "likely" compete on the undercard of the Sept. 13 Joel Casamayor vs. Juan Manuel Marquez fight card.

Roach has trained a number of world boxing champions throughout his career, including current WBC world super featherweight and world lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao.

"Someday down the line, if Andrei wants to go into boxing, I'm sure he'll be a top-10 heavyweight at boxing also," Roach said.

Arlovski, a noted striker who has been criticized for a more conservative approach to his bouts as of late, said Roach has been helpful in refocusing him on the stand-up aspects of MMA.

"I'm very proud to train with Freddie Roach," Arlovski said. "He's a great coach. He (has) taught me a lot."

Despite Roach's admitted lack of MMA knowledge, the former professional boxer will be in Arlovski's corner for the bout with Rothwell.

"Freddy has shown me a lot of technique," Arlovski said. "He has shown me what can be good for me against Ben Rothwell."

As MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) previously reported, Arlovski (12-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC) signed with Affliction last month. The Chicago-based fighter reigned as the UFC's heavyweight title-holder from February 2005 to April 2006.

Since losing a July 2006 title fight to then-champ Tim Sylvia, Arlovski's has pieced together three consecutive victories. Arlovski fulfilled the fight commitment of his previous UFC contract when he defeated Jake O'Brien at UFC 82 in March, and the UFC lost its exclusive rights to negotiate with the Belarusian fighter on May 1.