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Villanueva awarded during Bago City?s charter day


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Recognizing his contribution to uplift the level of boxing awareness in his hometown, Arthur ?El Matador? Villanueva, the undefeated and defending Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super flyweight champion, was honored last Tuesday, February 19 during the closing ceremony of the 47th Charter Day of Bago City held at the city?s Community Center.

The 24-year-old Villanueva, who hails from Barangay Don Jorge L. Araneta and currently fighting for the Top Prime Stable of Rev. Henry Guanzon and promoted by Cebu-based ALA Promotions, received the commendation and cash incentives from the city in front of the hundreds of attendance present during the ceremony.

In a resolution authored by Councilor Allan Galunan and unanimously approved by the SP members present during their regular session held last January 23, Villanueva was commended for winning the said title which not only brought honor to the city, but to the whole county in general.

Present during the said session were Vice Mayor Nicolas Yulo, and councilors Josefa Matti, Carlos Mondia, Bernadette Somcio, Donald Alvarez, Ruben Torres, Rosario Gaudite, Loreto Cauntoy, Noel Valenzuela, James Anton Alincastre, Galunan.

On his part, Villanueva said that he is very happy with the recognition, stressing to strive harder to further give honor and pride to his hometown and in the country.

?I am very happy for Arthur (Villanueva) as his hometown honoring him. Slowly, he is establishing his identity,? Guanzon said.

Barangay Don Jorge L. Araneta chieftain Jacinto Torres Jr., who is also a CENECO Director, assured Villanueva of the support if needed. ?He is our pride and we are here behind him in his quest for glory,? he added.

It can be recalled that Villanueva won the OPBF belt after defeated home-fighter Taiki Eto via unanimous decision in the fight held last month at the famed Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

Villanueva (21 wins with 12 KOs) is scheduled for a mandatory title defense tentatively this April 20 in Davao against another Filipino, the undefeated Philippine Superflyweight champion in Marco Demecillo of Cebu.

?Arthur (Villanueva) is from this city. And I am willing to extend my help if needed. We have the venue if ever the promoters decide. Our city will be very much happy if his title fight will be staged here,? Torres said.

?With Arthur?s victory, he serves as an inspiration to our poll of boxers here as well as justified our city?s continuing boxing program, particularly in the grassroots,? he added. Jerome Galuna Jr./Watchmen Daily Journal.

Photo: OPBF Superflyweight champion Arthur ?El Matador? Villanueva (center) received honor during the closing ceremony of the 47th Charter Day of Bago City held at the city?s Community Center. Joining Villanueva during the ceremony are (from left) Vice Mayor Nicholas Yulo, BM Mae Javellana, Councilor lawyer Allan Galunan, Mayor Ramon Torres, and Councilors Joy Matti and Ruben Torres.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Jerome S. Galunan Jr..


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