Eric Richardson [Flickr]

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko and challenger Cristobal Arreola faced off in the sweltering heat outside Staples Center today, part of the preparation for their Saturday fight inside the arena. It will be the third time Klitschko has fought inside Staples Center.

Downtowners interested in checking out the festivities beforehand can make their way to Staples Center on Thursday at 3pm, when the two fighters will hold an outdoor weigh-in on Star Plaza.

On Friday afternoon, the undercard weigh-in will take place at 3pm at the Wilshire Grand Hotel.

The fight will air Saturday evening on HBO (not pay-per-view).