Stakes are higher for “King” Arthur Villanueva (27-0) as he fights in his first major world title this Saturday in Texas, USA. Just days before fight night, he will be entering the ring with a very simple mindset – fight as if it is your last.
“Ang nasa isip ko lang (ay) world title ito at iniisip ko na last chance na ito for World title para sa akin at di ako pwedeng magpatalo.”
“World title ito at di na puwedeng palampasin pa. Ang makalaban sa isang world title fight ay malaking oportunidad para sa akin kahit saan pa iyan,” he added.
Fighting for a world title is a dream for most boxers and now given the opportunity, the Negros Occidental born Villanueva is determined to make the most out of it, preparing long and hard under the tutelage of coaches Edito Villamor and Nick Curson.
“Almost 2 months na din ang training ko (para sa laban na ito) kasama sina Coach Edito Villamor at Nick Curson. Confident ako na malaki ang in-improve ng abilidad ko.”
“Noon, nakakaramdam ako ng pressure at takot na matalo pero ngayon kumportable at kumpyansa na ako,” the Bacolod City native closed.
Aside from the vacant IBF world super flyweight belt, his undefeated slate is also on the line as he faces unbeaten Puerto Rican McJoe Arroyo (16-0), who has defeated the likes of Hernan “Tyson” Marquez and Filipino Mark Anthony Geraldo. Don Haskins Convention Center in El Paso, Texas will host the event and is presented by Showtime and is promoted by Leon Margueles of Warriors Boxing.
King Arthur Villanueva has held the IBF International super flyweight, WBO International super flyweight, WBO Asia Pacific super flyweight, OPBF super flyweight, and Philippine flyweight championships. He is currently 27-0 and has knocked out 14 of his opponents. In his last fight, he defeated Julio Cesar Miranda at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym in Barrio Obrero, Davao City via a unanimous decision (98-92, 99-91, 98-92).
