VILLANUEVA "READY TO DIE" IN TITLE FIGHT
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 04 May 2012
Singapore--Although unbeaten in 24 pro fights, power-punching Lorenzo Villanueva promises nothing special when he clashes with a sharp, stylish Indonesian for the world featherweight boxing title today at the fabulous Marina Bay Sands in this neat, orderly island state, lead playground destination in Asia.
"All he told me is that they'll have to kill him to keep him from winning," confided sportsman Manny Pinol, the former governor of North Cotabato who manages Villanueva together with his brothers in the Braveheart boxing stable.
Villanueva, 26, with a 24-0 (23 KO) record, has been tagged the underdog against the sweet-punching Daud Cino Yordan, 24, a former Olympian with 28 pro wins, 22 by knockout, and only two losses.
Villanueva, who was orphaned after his father was slain when he was only 14, has been tagged the underdog in the stellar bout, a companion main event to the WBA featherweight championship between the sensational Indon Chris John, a conqueror of Juan Manuel Marquez, and Japan's Shoji Kimura.
It will be John's 16th defense of his crown.
Villanueva is expected to be on all-out attack mode at the first bell.
He has been given instructions to dig in and try to crush his opponent early.
"The future of his brothers and sisters will depend on his fight here," Pinol said. "Either they languish in poverty or face a better future."
"Mangin matay ako sa away na ini (I'm ready to die for this fight)," Villanueva vowed after a successful weight trial in the morning.
He was bubbly, brimming with confidence.
Photo: Villanueva (R) and Yordan during yesterday's press conference at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
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