King Arthur Villanueva (left) failed to capture the vacant IBF bantamweight crown. Philboxing.com
Filipino fighter King Arthur Villanueva came up short to win the vacant IBF bantamweight title after losing to McJoe Arroyo of Puerto Rico via technical decision in the 10th round Sunday (Manila time) at Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.
The bout was stopped by referee upon the ringside doctor’s advice due to the nasty cut Villanueva sustained on his right eye that was caused by an accidental head butt late in the sixth round, a report on BoxingScene.com said.
The scorecards had Arroyo, who hiked his unbeaten record to 17-0, with eight knockouts, winning convincingly, 97-92, 98-91, 98-91.
The 26-year-old Villanueva suffered his first defeat after winning his first 27 professional fights with 14 in knockout fashion.