| |
|
Braveheart's Villanueva, Magbanua Invited To Train in U.S. with Former Valero Mentor
PhilBoxing.com Wed, 25 May 2011
 Lorenzo Villanueva.
World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental Featherweight champion Lorenzo "Thunderbolt" Villanueva and former WBO Interim Aspac Bantamweight champion Rolando "Smooth Operator" Magbanua have been invited to train in the United States by legandary trainer Robert Alcazar in Maywood, California.
Jose Castillo, who managed former lightweight champion Edwin Valero and who arranged the training program, has officially asked the Consular Office of the American Embassy in Manila to allow Villanueva, Magbanua, chief trainer Noli Pinol and assistant trainer Bruce Lerio to travel to the US for a 2-month training program under Alcazar.
Villanueva, 24, a southpaw, is undefeated in his professional career with 20 wins and 19 KOs. He is scheduled to appear in the undercard of a Donnie Nietes show July 16 as part of ALA Boxing Promotions Pinoy Pride Series.
Magbanua, 25, who has a record of 19 wins, 14 KOs with 2 losses on points, is on a comeback trail after losing to compatriot Jason Igera, He is scheduled to fight in Gen. Santos City June 11.
Alcazar reportedly told Castillo that Villanueva has the potential of becoming another world champion from the Philippines because of his punching power and capacity to take a punch.
Even with his awesome pro record, Villanueva is still considered raw and needs refinement in his movements inside the ring, especially his defense.
Magbanua, on the other hand, hopes to be able to benefit from the training program through the improvement of his stamina and endurance which are his weak points.
In the US, Villanueva, Magbanua and two trainers are expected to stay with Braveheart Boxing Club cutman Jeff de Guzman in Glendale, California, about 30 minutes away from the Maywood Gym where they will train.
The team is tentatively scheduled to leave for the US after the July 16 fight of Villanueva.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
BEN WHITTAKER OPENS UP ON HIS AMERICAN DREAM, CALL-OUTS AND HEADLINING IN 'SPECIAL CITY' LIVERPOOL THIS SATURDAY – LIVE ON DAZN , Thu, 16 Apr 2026IBA partners with Global Boxing Series for landmark fight night in Navi Mumbai , Thu, 16 Apr 2026IM Arca finishes 2nd in Thailand Blitz By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 16 Apr 2026Cebuano "Money Punch" Elmo Traya Heading to Georgia for WBF World Title Shot! By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 16 Apr 2026Unfinished Business: Keyshawn Davis-Nahir Albright Super Lightweight Rematch Set for May 16 at Norfolk’s Scope Arena LIVE on DAZN , Thu, 16 Apr 2026Rhaki Constantino bags Asian HeyBall Championship By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 16 Apr 2026GARNICA VS. CORREA SET FOR WBC CONTINENTAL AMERICAS TITLE CLASH IN LONG BEACH MAY 15 , Wed, 15 Apr 2026IBA Board of Directors convenes for strategic April 2026 meeting , Wed, 15 Apr 2026Cadalso to turn pro in Juego Todo By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 15 Apr 20262-Time World Champion Shawn Porter Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2 in Las Vegas , Wed, 15 Apr 2026Former Coach of De La Salle University Taft-Manila finishes third place in Beijing Blitz Grand Prix By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 15 Apr 2026"When one goes to war we all go to war!" – Owen Corrigan challenges Mad Dog Micah Rivetti for Light Heavyweight title May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54 , Tue, 14 Apr 2026Crocs FC wins 3 titles in Football sa Bayan By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026Chess Kings Ready to Battle in Pacquiao 3x3 Chess Team Tournament at Lica Malls 500 Shaw By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026Manguyab to debut in RFL By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026Simsri Crushes Mendoza, Retains IBF 108-lbs Title; Could A Filipino Challenger Fight Simsri Next? (Analysis) By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026Manny Pacquiao and Jas Mathur via Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announce Nine-Figure Team Boxing League Partnership, Launching Manny Pacquiao’s San Diego TJ’s Franchise , Tue, 14 Apr 2026Pabular loses by a split decision By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026DFBC dominates in Invitational Doubles By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026Santisima Faces Undefeated Grigoryan for IBF Asia Title in Russia , Tue, 14 Apr 2026Jenn Perella excited to be fighting in front of family & friends on ‘Rumble at the Rink II’ , Tue, 14 Apr 2026Angel Barrientes Training Camp Notes , Mon, 13 Apr 2026DFBC sweeps Dubai Filipino bowlfest By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Apr 2026Middleweight Contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. Dominates Omar Huerta in Main Event at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City & Live on ProBoxTV , Mon, 13 Apr 2026Sergio Martinez returns with a victory at 51 By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 13 Apr 2026 |

|
|
|
|
|