VILLANUEVA BRACES FOR ARROYO
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 20 Jun 2015
CEBU CITY ? Will Arthur become a King?
Arthur Villanueva is in the midst of preparations for the biggest fight of his six year pro career when he battles McJoe Arroyo of Puerto Rico for the vacant IBF world superflyweight title this July 18 in El Paso, Texas.
Both boxers are undefeated. The 26 year old Villanueva (27-0, 14KO?s), who trains in the ALA Gym of Cebu, has held International titles with the WBO and IBF. The 29 year old Arroyo (16-0,8KO?s) is a bemedalled amateur and a former Olympian.
Their common opponent is Mark Anthony Geraldo of Bukidnon, who fought Villanueva in Bacolod City four years ago and lost a technical decision after six rounds. Geraldo lost to Arroyo in Puerto Rico by twelve round unanimous decision last December in an IBF eliminator.
Villanueva is coming off a big win against former WBO flyweight champ Julio Cesar Miranda of Mexico. Other notable victories in Villanueva?s career include winning the OPBF title in Japan against Taiki Eto and defending the regional belt in Davao City against another previously unbeaten Filipino prospect Marco Demecillo.
Prior to beating Geraldo, Arroyo stopped former WBA flyweight champ Hernan Marquez of Mexico in eleven rounds.
Villanueva (R) spars with Kenneth Gentallan at the ALA Gym in Banilad Town Center in Cebu Saturday afternoon.
Villanueva was part of the public sparring session held Saturday afternoon at the ALA Gym-Banilad Town Center. He showed his superb boxing skills against southpaw Kenneth Gentallan.
Villanueva spoke with this writer after his session and bared his initial thoughts about fighting for a world title. ?I?m excited,? He said, ?It will be hard. I have watched films of Arroyo, he has speed. I will be looking for ways to counter his speed.?
?They will be bringing more southpaws for me to spar.? Villanueva added. He will also be putting in more rounds in his training.
ALA Gym patriarch Antonio Aldeguer is keeping his fingers crossed. Villanueva?s title shot is coming at the heels of Milan Melindo?s controversial loss in Mexico against Javier Mendoza by technical decision for the IBF junior flyweight world title.
The IBF superflyweight title was previously held by Zolani Tete of South Africa who vacated after negotiations for his defense against Arroyo.
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