THE first loss of a fighter?s career is always one of the toughest to swallow, a defeat that either makes or breaks a boxer?s career.
After suffering his first defeat, a controversial technical decision loss to McJoe Arroyo in a world title fight for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight crown, Arthur Villanueva is eager to bring himself back into the winning column when he trades leathers with young Mexican prospect Victor Mendez for the World Boxing Council (WBC) International super flyweight belt tonight in the main event of Pinoy Pride 34 – ?Back with a Vengeance? at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City.
?I?m very excited to go. I want him (Mendez) to feel the pain that I felt when I lost. Losing is nowhere near my mind right now, I just want to win,? said the 26-year-old Villanueva after yesterday?s weigh-in at the Gaisano Mactan Island Mall.
Villanueva was depressed after suffering his first lost to Arroyo in Texas in July, a fight that he could have won.
?I thank my coaches, sir Mike and sir ALA, for comforting me after losing. I thank them for believing in me,? he said.
Villanueva tipped the scales half a pound over the 115-pound limit in his first attempt. He, however, made weight at exactly 115 pounds after taking off his drawers. Mendez had no problem making weight and hit the scales on the dot at 115.
The 22-year-old Mendez has heavy hands and tends to finish fights early. Villanueva, however, has devised a game plan for Mendez.
?He is strong in the first three rounds. I will wait and attack starting in the sixth round. I know this fight won?t reach 12 rounds,? he said.
This a very crucial fight in Villanueva?s career because a win should improve his position in the world rankings, while a loss should be detrimental.
?If given a chance, I want a rematch with Arroyo bit if not their are other options like the WBC, WBO and WBA,? said Villanueva.
Villanueva is 27-1 with 14 knockouts, while Mendez is 19-2-2 with 15 knockouts.
Milan Melindo, in the meantime, promised to give the boxing fans their money?s worth.
Melindo is fighting last-minute replacement, 19-year-old Mexican Victor Emmanuel Olivo, in a 10-round fight.
?I don?t know what round this will end but I assure you this will be a war, this will be like Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez. This will be the best Pinoy Pride fight you will ever see,? said the 27-year-old Melindo, who himself is coming off a controversial technical decision defeat to IBF light flyweight king Javier Mendoza.
