Velasco boosts up ?King? Arthur after title bid loss

Roel Velasco.

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines ? Bago City-native and former Olympic bronze medalist Roel Velasco cheered up fellow Bagonhon ?King? Arthur Villanueva after a controversial world championship loss early Sunday at the Don Haskins Convention Center in El Paso, Texas.

Velasco, now the Philippine women?s team head coach, said that Villanueva should stay positive despite the upset. ?It means that he still lack international exposure given that most of his fights are staged here in the country,? he stressed. ?And, he still lack some experience. Learn more boxing styles and become a better fighter,? Velasco added.

Fellow Negrense, Donnie ?Ahas? Nietes ? the defending WBO junior lightweight king, Ring Magazine titlist, and longest reigning Filipino champion, also said that Villanueva shouldn?t lose hope. ?He just had to train harder. Lots of title fights still coming ahead. He needs to keep his faith in the Lord,? the Negrense-hailed champion said.

It was recalled that the erstwhile undefeated Villanueva (27-1, 14 KOs) tasted the first defeat in his career following a controversial technical decision loss to newly-crowned International Boxing Federation (IBF) world super flyweight champion and still undefeated McJoe Arroyo (17-0, 8 KOs) of Puerto Rico. (WATCHMEN DAILY JOURNAL)