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Philippines, 23 Jan 2026 |
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UNDEFEATED FEATHERWEIGHT VILLANUEVA FACES THAI PhilBoxing.com Fri, 21 Nov 2008 Kidapawan City - Undefeated featherweight prospect Lorenzo "Thunderbolt" Villanueva, the Philippines No. 6 contender, goes for his 10th win in as many professional outings when he fights a Thai boxer Lerdayyam Sitjhsoei before a hometown crowd in Midsayap, North Cotabato Nov. 25. Villanueva, 22, a southpaw who is described as a devastating boxer "who hits like a mule," won all of his previous nine professional fights by knockout. In his last fight in August, he stopped another Thai fighter, Bigmaor Boonchay, in three rounds. Villanueva was sidelined for almost three months following a bout with flu. On Tuesday, Villanueva, who was born in the village of Bual Norte in Midsayap, promises to add more color to the celebraion of his town's foundation day by attempting to score his 10th knockout in 10 professional fights. It is expected to be one of the two fights that he will take before he will challenge Elorde boxer Vinvin Rufino for the Philippine featherweight title early next year. Braveheart Boxing Club management describes Villanueva as a gentle boy who turns into a ferocious warrior once he steps inside the ring. "His personality changes the moment he gets inside the ring. He is gentle and softspoken outside the ring but the moment he gets into a fight, he never stops and his stamina and power are simply awesome," says a press release from Braveheart. Villanueva is a former member of the North Cotabato amateur boxing team and was handled by Cuban coach Honorato Espinosa before the latter went home to Cuba after an 18-month stay in the Philippines. Although he did not stand out as an amateur fighter, his power and focus were already evident early on, said Noli. "The most important attributes that Villanueva has right now are his power and heart. Skills and techniques could be developed but you cannot develop power and courage. They come naturally," said Vice Gov. Pinol. Guided properly, Villanueva, who stands 5' 7", could very well be a potential heir to the Manny Pacquiao throne as a featherweight and possibly lightweight, said Vice Gov. Pinol, adding that the young boxer from Midsayap who turned pro at age 19 is growing fast. "This boy will grow big because his body frame could allow more muscles. He could very well move up to the lightweight division," he added. Also seeing action in the undercard of the Midsayap boxing festival are Bravheart boxers Glenn Porras, RP No. 3 bantamweight, Edrin Dapudong RP No. 3 jr. flyweight, miniflyweight Rommel Asenjo and undefeated miniflyweight Jermel Jabel and bantamweight Rey Juntilla. Other young boxers who will be fighting as professionals for the first time will also be seeing action in the Midsayap card to be held at the Midsayap Gymnasium will be open to the public.  |
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