BACK TO BACK OPBF SUCCESSES FOR ALA CHAMPIONS
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 19 Dec 2012
Fuentes (L) and Villanueva.
In an unprecedented showing, fighters from the famed ALA Gym have emerged Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation champions.
Some 24 hours after world rated flyweight champion Rocky Fuentes hammered Japan?s OPBF No. 9 ranked Yuki Nasu to retain his title, another crack ALA fighter Arthur Villanueva who is managed by Rev. Pastor Guanzon of Bacolod, won the vacant OPBF super flyweight title with a close but hard fought unanimous decision over Taiki Eto of Japan at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
Nicknamed ?King Arthur?, Villanueva who was ranked No. 2 was dropped twice according to a text message from trainer Edito ?Ala? Villamor but recovered to punish No. 8 ranked Eto to win the nod of all three judges by margins of 113-112, 114-112 and 113-112 which appeared hard to achieve especially against a Japanese opponent fighting before a hometown crowd..
ALA Gym?s respected patron Tony Aldeguer told the Manila Standard ?it's tough to win a close fight in Japan and such a win is very seldom.?
He said it is evident that Villanueva fought through the two knockdowns to demonstrate his fighting heart to earn the decision.
Aldeguer said Fuentes who is ranked No. 2 by the WBA and No. 3 by the WBC mauled Nasu last night to make the 7th successful defense of his regional belt.
Fuentes is looking to face WBC champion Toshiyuki Igarashi of Japan.
With the victory the undefeated Villanueva improved his recoed to 21-0 with 12 knockouts while Eto falls to 10-2 with 7 knockouts.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
"The Filipino Flash" Nonito Donaire Makes Stunning Comeback, Wins Interim WBA 118-lbs Title in Argentina!! (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 15 Jun 2025DAZN is Set to Make Exciting Debut in Thailand with Thrilling Dream Boxing/Highland Boxing Show
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 15 Jun 2025Hitchins Dominates, Stops Kambosos Jr. in Eighth Round to Retain IBF Super Lightweight Title
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 15 Jun 2025THAI SIMSRI READY FOR CHRISTIAN ARANETA IN IBF WORLD TITLE SHOWDOWN THURSDAY IN JAPAN; WILL THE CEBUANO “BOMB” STOP HIM?
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 15 Jun 2025Pinoy Power! Pacquiao, Donaire, and Araneta Ready to Shine in World Title Fights
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 15 Jun 2025“PROSPECTS COLLIDE” TAKES CENTER STAGE
Sun, 15 Jun 2025Nonito Donaire Favorite to Beat Andrés Campos for WBA Interim World Title; Both Men Make Weight Ready in Argentina!
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 14 Jun 2025Oklahoma Forces 2-2 Finals Series Tie, Starves Indiana for Point in 111-104 Win
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 14 Jun 2025PROSPECTS COLLIDE OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS
Sat, 14 Jun 2025Hitchins vs. Kambosos: Can George Be More Than A Faded Name?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 14 Jun 2025Four Boxers Advance to Gold Medal Matches on Day Three of World Boxing Challenge Grand Prix Usti Nad Labem
Sat, 14 Jun 2025WEIGHTS FROM NEW YORK: HITCHINS - 140 LBS., KAMBOSOS - 139.4 LBS.
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 14 Jun 2025Gaviola to face Narukami in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 14 Jun 2025Pacquiao Steps Up Training
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 14 Jun 2025Balla stops Cabalquinto in 4th round
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 14 Jun 2025