MANILA, Philippines — Rising stars Genesis Servania and Arthur Villanueva hope to bolster their dream of becoming world champions on March 1 when they headline Pinoy Pride XXIV at Solaire Resort & Casino in Parañaque City.
The unbeaten Servania (23-0, 9 knockouts) will tackle former World Boxing Association super flyweight champion Alexander “El Explosivo” Munoz of Venezuela in his bid to improve on his World Boxing Organization No. 3 ranking.
Villanueva, also unscathed in 24 fights with 14 KOs, was supposed to face Juan Hernandez in a 12-round bout, but unfortunately, his Mexican foe figured in a motorcycle incident in his country just the other day.
ALA Promotions vice president Dennis Canete said the Cebu-based outfit is now trying to find a worthy substitute who’s available on short notice.
“A Japanese opponent would be an option. At least the country is near the Philippines,” Canete told sportswriters on Thursday.
The 22-year-old Servania said he’s ready to rumble against the hard-hitting Munoz (36-5, 28 KOs).
“I’m ready (for the highly regarded Munoz),” said Servania, who hails from Bacolod like Villanueva. “We’ll just see each other in the ring.”
Though his preparations for Hernandez went for naught, Villanueva, ranked No. 3 super flyweight by the WBO, is hardly unfazed.
“I’m ready to adjust when fight time comes.” Roy Luarca