“King” Arthur Villanueva (Source: WEB)
International Boxing Federation (IBF) International and OPBF super flyweight champion “King” Arthur Villanueva will leave for the United States today as he vies for the vacant IBF world super flyweight title on July 18 against unbeaten Puerto Rican McJoe Arroyo (16-0, 8KOs) in El Paso, Texas.
Villanueva (27-0, 14KOs) wrapped up his two-month training here and will fly to the US with trainer Edito Villamor.
According to Villanueva, he is very happy with his training camp where he was able to improve his footwork, timing and power – factors he will direly need to blot the clean record of the southpaw Arroyo.
“Kuha na kaayo nako akong condition karon, kusgan ko ani nga training,” said Villanueva. “Kinahanglan impressive akong kadaugan ani nga fight, wala mi nag apas sa knockout, among plano is to dictate the fight ug buhaton tanan namong plano sulod sa ring.”
Villanueva said that his hunger and determination to win will be his advantage against the heavy-fisted Puerto Rican. Throw in his advantage in reach and height and the Ilongo slugger believes a world title is very well within his reach.
“Amo pud gi focus ug maayo ang akong jab ug power, kinahanglan nindot akong jabs kay taas pa man ko niya,” Villanueva said. “Pero dili jud ta mo kompyansa kay si Arroyo gahi nga boxer ug naa pud power, amo jud gi tan-aw iyang mga duwa ug para nako dili siya basta basta nga kontra.”
The 26-year-old Villanueva of Bacolod City completed around 90 rounds of sparring against left handed sparmates to acquaint himself with Arroyo’s stance.
“Sa una na pressure jud ko pero tungod sa kanindot sa among training na ilisan na ug confidence gamay. Ako jud gi set akong huna-huna nga importante jud kaayo ni nga duwa kay world championship ni unya wala nay lain chance pa nga moabot so paningkamotan jud nako nga makadaog. Ako jud ipakita tanan nakong abilidad sulod sa ring,” Villanueva said.
Villamor, on the other hand, said he is confident Villanueva will easily outmaneuver his opponent because of his ward’s improved speed and foot work and power.
“Ready na kaayo si Arthur, adto nami magtiwas sa training ug maintain sa weight sa US para maka acclimatize siya didto ug tarong,” Villamor said.
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