CEBU, Philippines — ALA Boxing Gym stalwart 'King' Arthur Villanueva (31-2, 17KOs) hopes to hurdle a major roadblock in his path towards a world title fight as he battles World Boxing Council bantamweight champion Luis Nery (24-0, 18KOs) on November 4 (early Sunday morning Phl time) at the Gasmart Stadium in Tijuana, Mexico.
Initially, Villanueva was supposed to challenge Nery but their match has been reduced to a 10-round non-title bout after Nery had tested positive for Zilpaterol, a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
The WBC has yet to decide on the status of Nery.
Still, Villanueva treats his encounter with Nery as a world championship fight knowing that it could open a lot of opportunities for him if he will emerge victorious.
"This is not a title fight but since my opponent is a world champion, it treat this fight a a world championship," said Villanueva, who scored a masterful fourth-round stoppage of Richie Mepranum in his previous ring appearance last September 16."I haven't reach my goal yet to become a world champion and I am focused on that. And this is a big opportunity for me.
ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor echoed Villanueva's sentiments.
"This is still like a world championship bout for him (Villanueva) because he's up against a world champion and if he wins, mostly likely he will be given a chance to fight for a world title," said Villamor.
Cognizant of the fact that it is hard to win by decision behind enemy lines, Villanueva said he's going for no less than a knockout victory.
"I strongly feel that I have a good chance in winning this fight. I know it's hard to win on points that is why I will try my best to score a knockout. Either one of us will get knocked out before the 10th round ends," prognosticated Villanueva. (FREEMANNEWS)