Make a new boxing star shine here
Power-punching “King” Arthur Villanueva, 28, dropped unbeaten world bantamweight champion Luis Nery of Mexico in the fourth round in Tijuana on Sunday. Villanueva, a major fighter from the famous ALA Stable, was next put on the receiving end. He suffered a stoppage after the referee halted the bout at 1:19 of the sixth round.
Before Villanueva, there was the talented Genesis Servania, who challenged the celebrated Oscar Valdez for the world featherweight championship in Tucson, Arizona. Just like Villanueva, Servania dropped his famous opponent early in the bout. He was however outfought and also got floored. He held on gallantly but lost by decision.
So what’s in store for Philippine boxing within the year as it gropes for a new boxing star?
There’s Jerwin Ancajas of Manny Pacquiao Promotions who will defend his IBF super flyweight crown against undefeated Irish Jamie Conlan in Belfast on Nov 18.
Ancajas will be fighting before a big roaring Irish crowd. The title defense promises to be a tough outing for Ancajas.
It will be a big test, and a win could help lead Ancajas to full stardom.
A new Manny Pacquiao?
Well, there can never be another Pacquiao. The world continues to await a decision from the legendary Filipino boxing superhero on whether he would hang up his gloves or continue fighting.
One reliable source said Pacquiao could fly to Dubai this week. The same source said he was unsure about Pacquiao’s purpose for the trip.
Is it true Pacquiao’s contract with Top Rank Inc. has expired?
Veteran promoter Bob Arum has left word he has something special for Pacquiao if the fighting Filipino senator decides to fight on.
“But I can’t force him,” Arum said.
Meanwhile, Jeff Horn, the former Australian school teacher who took away Pacquiao’s WBO welterweight crown last July will be defending his crown against Englishman Gary Corcoran in Brisbane on Dec. 13.
With nothing clear from the Pacquiao camp (on whether he is interested in doing a rematch with Horn), Arum said he now plans to pit Horn against the sensational Terence Crawford of Omaha next year.
Here at home, the ALA Stable with two reigning world champions—Donnie Nietes and Milan Melindo—in its fold, has announced that unbeaten Mark Magsayo will be defending his WBO Intercontinental featherweight crown against Shota Hayashi in Bohol on Nov. 25.
His handlers at the ALA Stable hope to use the fight in Tagbilaran to gauge if Magsayo has properly matured and improved on his reckless style.
Magsayo says he has been itching to take away the world crown of Oscar Valdez.
