Villanueva to face new foe in Pinoy Pride XXII card

CEBU, Philippines - Reigning WBO Asia-Pacific super flyweight champion “King” Arthur Villanueva (23-0) will now be swapping jabs with another of Mexico's finest in the person of Edgar  “Chololo”  Martinez (15-7) and not Jose “Matador” Cabrera in the upcoming Pinoy Pride XXII fightcard slated on October 26 at the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Due to issues with paperwork and visa, the “Matador” has made different plans and will not be fighting in the Philippines.

Prior plans for Martinez to battle Filipino fighter Marlon Tapales earlier this year didn't push through, but he's back to taste Filipino blood in his first ever bout outside of Mexico.

Although his record depicts a total of seven losses, these defeats were against formidable opponents such as former interim WBA flyweight champ Sammy Gutierrez, a big-time veteran with a staggering record of 32-8-2, and a whopping 23KOs. He also lost against Ivan Morales, the younger brother of ring legend Erik “El Terible” Morales.

Martinez must have learned a thing or two from these bouts since he destroyed every fighter since Gutierrez last year, all by way of knockout.

Villanueva, the country's rising star from ALA Gym, stands undefeated with 13KO, more than half of his 23 professional bouts.

The main event of Pinoy Pride XXII will showcase Genesis ‘Azukal’ Servania (22-0, 8KOs), who will defend his WBO Asia-Pacific super bantamweight crown against Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion (18-6, 8KOs).

Tickets are available at SM Cebu Cinema, SM Consolacion Cinema, Robinsons Department Store Costumer Service, ALA Gym BTC, ALA Gym Mandaue, ALA Gym Minglanilla, ALA Gym Banawa and Bisaya Ispisyal -Ayala. For ticket reservations, one may call 505-9513 /09231072890/09158690905 or visit www.alaboxing.com for more information.  (FREEMAN)