ARTHUR VILLANUEVA: DESTINED TO BE KING?
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 17 Jul 2015
Two years ago, I wrote an article about the parallel destinies of Negrense boxers Merlito Sabillo and Arthur Villanueva. During the early part of their careers they would appear together in fight cards held in Bacolod City. They would go on to win Philippine and regional titles. The duo also made regular appearances on the undercards of the popular PINOY PRIDE boxing series.
Sabillo garnered the WBO world minimumweight title and defended his belt twice before losing to Francisco Rodriguez of Mexico last year. Villanueva remained unbeaten and moved up in the world rankings.
While they were making themselves familiar with the fans, another boxer from Negros Occidental ? Donnie Nietes ? was cementing his legend as a two division champion and go past the longevity record set by Flash Elorde. The island of Negros has produced excellent boxers both in the amateur and professional ranks. This is the path that Villanueva hopes to follow.
Standing in his way is the undefeated Puerto Rican southpaw and former Olympian McJoe Arroyo.
Villanueva (27-0,14KO?s) and Arroyo (16-0,8KO?s) will fight for the vacant IBF superflyweight title on July 18 (August 19 Philippine Time) in El Paso, Texas.
Villanueva has had his share of tough battles : He came off the canvas twice to beat Japanese Taiki Eto by unanimous decision for the OPBF superflyweight title in Tokyo. He would have another career best performance against another unbeaten local boxer, Marco Demecillo in Davao City. Last year, he had to dig deep in a ring war against the surprisingly tough Mexican Fernando Aguilar in Manila and then he got off the canvas against Henry Maldonado of Nicaragua to win by split decision. In his last fight, Villanueva gave another brilliant boxing display against former WBO world champ Julio Cesar Miranda of Mexico in Davao City.
Their common opponent is Mark Anthony Geraldo of Bukidnon, who lost to Arroyo by unanimous verdict last December. Geraldo lost to Villanueva by technical decision four years ago.
Arroyo will be a tough opponent. He beat former flyweight champ Hernan Marquez by 11th round TKO last year. Local pundits think this will be a 50-50 fight. This will be Villanueva?s third overseas fight and his first on American soil. How he will react under pressure will determine if he is fated to be a ?King?.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
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