ROBERTO Gonzales, dubbed the “Bad Boy from Batangas,” vows to flatten Cebu-pride Arjan Canillas when they collide on March 12 for the vacant Philippine lightweight title at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
“I need to make a strong impression,” said the 5-foot-7 Gonzales in Filipino. A former boatman in tourist-rich Puerto Galera before being discovered by Touch Gloves Boxing Gym founder Elmer Anuran, Gonzales has a strong resemblance to former world champion Rolando Navarrete, who became popular as the “Bad Boy from Dadiangas.”
But Gonzales (26-2-0, 16 KOs) will have his work cut out for him against the fast-rising Canillas, who belongs to the popular ALA Boxing Stable in Cebu City.
A ward of world-class trainer Edito Villamor, Canillas, proud son of Toledo City, is still unbeaten in 13 fights. Ten of Canillas’ foes didn’t last the distance.
“Canillas is a very dangerous foe and I respect him a lot. But I need to win this bout which will lead me to greater heights,” said Gonzales, who trains under Carlito Monte in Agoncillo, Batangas.
Villamor said he expects that somebody will go down in the fight.