Visa woes cancel Matador’s stint in Pinoy Pride

MANILA, Philippines - Contrary to previous reports, “King” Arthur Villanueva (23-0), current WBO Asia-Pacific super flyweight champion, will be swapping jabs now 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 event on Oct. 26.

 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 WBA Flyweight Interim champ Sammy Gutierrez, a big-time veteran with a staggering record of 32-8-2, and a whopping 23 KOs. 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  knockout.

Villanueva, the Philippines’ rising star from ALA Gym, stands undefeated with 13 KOs, more than half of his 23 professional bouts.

Pinoy Pride XXII will also showcase the war for the WBO Asia-Pacific Super Bantamweight crown, currently held by Philippines’ Genesis “Azukal” Servania (22-0, 8KOs), also from ALA gym. He will be defending his belt from Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion (18-6, 8KOs) for the main event.

The fight will take place at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu.

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, call 505-9513 /09231072890/09158690905 or visit www.alaboxing.com for more information.