
Villareal and Santos stage Public Work out at ALA gym
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 12 Jan 2010

WBC Youth Intercontinental Flyweight Champion Anthony Villareal of California, USA and Cecilio “Boga” Santos of Mexico had a public workout at the ALA Gym at the Banilad town Center Monday afternoon as part of their preparations for their January 14 bouts against ALA boxers Milan Melindo and AJ Banal.
Unlike other boxers from Mexico and the U.S. who have fought here in the past, these two arrived in Cebu six days before their scheduled bouts. They have already acclimatized to the hot and humid weather and shook off their jet lag.
Santos skipped rope, shadow boxed and punished the heavy bag. He feels his experience will be his main advantage against Banal. He said his nickname “Boga” suggests his flamboyance with women.
Santos figured in a 12 round majority draw against then champion Dimitri Kirilov in an IBF superflyweight title bout in 2008.He has lost to world class opposition against Veerapol Sakraporn, Fernando Montiel and Anselmo Moreno.
Villareal on the other hand was as slick and speedy as advertised. He shadow boxed inside the ring then showed lightning fast combinations when he hit the punch mitts with his trainer. He is much taller than his challenger Melindo who will have to prepare for a long night.
The main protagonists and the boxers involved in the supporting bouts will be presented in a press conference Tuesday morning 11 AM at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City.
The big boxing event dubbed as “Bakbakan Sa Sinulog!” is a joint venture between communication giant SMART Sports and TV5 with ALA Promotions to launch its entry into professional boxing.
California's Anthony Villareal (top) and Mexico's Cecilio Santos (above) of Mexico work out yesterday at the ALA Gym in Banilad, Cebu. Photos by Dong Secuya.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Jerwin Ancajas Set for IBF Mandatory Eliminator Against Former World Champ Ryosuke Nishida; Winner Fights Naoya Inoue
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 11 Sep 2025“Night of Champions” Returns to Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando on September 19
Thu, 11 Sep 2025Local Favorite Bryce Mills Tops First Boxing Card At del Lago Resort & Casino
Thu, 11 Sep 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: It´s Fightweek Fight: Canelo vs. Crawford
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Casimero comeback next month in Kyrgyzstan?
By Nick Giongco, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Team USA Concludes Day Six of 2025 World Boxing Championships
Wed, 10 Sep 2025Andrade, Garras rule Milo marathon in Tagum
Wed, 10 Sep 2025CROCKER-DONOVAN II: INSIDE LOOK AT FIRST FACE-OFF IN BELFAST
Wed, 10 Sep 2025Former Panamanian WBA champ Jorge Lujan hospitalized
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Southern Sports Heroes Night on Sept. 28
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 10 Sep 2025ABAP feels WB’s growing pains
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Laurente is new Philippine super featherweight champ
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 10 Sep 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 8 SEPTEMBER 2025: Nunez Outpoints Diaz; Iglesias Stops Shishkin; Valdez, Conlan Register Wins in Return
By Eric Armit, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Dante Kirkman Stays Undefeated Triumphing with Dominant Unanimous Decision Win
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Dream fight for Steven Sumpter vs. Undefeated Bek Nurmaganbet This Wednesday at Fontainebleau Las Vegas during ‘Canelo vs. Crawford’ Week
Tue, 09 Sep 2025