Bacolod City ? Arthur ?El Matador? Villanueva became the latest top prospect to join the biggest boxing and promotional organization in the Philippines. ALA Promotions Pres. Michael Aldeguer made this announcement a few hours after the highly successful PINOY PRIDE 5: BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS held at the LaSalle Coliseum in this city.
The 22 year old Villanueva (16W-0L, 11 KO?s) won the Philippine flyweight title last year by 7th round TKO over Brix Ray. He is now campaigning at the superflyweight division and beat another top prospect Mark Anthony Geraldo by six round technical decision in the undercard of the Donnie Nietes-Armando Vasquez fight. Villanueva sported a huge cut on his right eyebrow from a clash of heads with Geraldo when he faced the Cebu sports media.
Villanueva is the 11th of 12 children and the only one pursuing prizefighting as a profession. He started boxing at age 16 and turned pro in 2008, stopping Alan Magno in three rounds. He blossomed as a technical boxer under the wing of Rev. Henry Guanzon. The Guanzon stable in Bacolod will still take charge of his training but they are welcome to take him to the ALA Gym of Cebu for more input.
He idolizes ALA Boxers Milan Melindo and AJ Banal and could very well spar with them during training. ALA Promotions has big plans for him including a possible regional title fight.
Top photo: Arthur Villanueva (L) in action against Mark Anthony Geraldo Saturday night at the La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City and won by majority technical decision (below photo). Photo by Dong Secuya.
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