ARTHUR Villanueva of Bacolod City yesterday annexed the vacant Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) superflyweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Taiki Eto of Japan in a fight held at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
ALA Promotiosn informed CDN that the fight was very close and Villanueva was knocked down twice but was able to recover and score enough points to win. The judges’ scores were: 113-112, 114-112 and 113-112 all for the unbeaten Filipino.
Villanueva, who improves to 21W-0L, 12 KOs, garnered his first regional title. He is a former Philippine flyweight champion and started his pro career with the Top Prime Stable of Rev. Henry Guanzon in Bacolod using the moniker “El Matador” before signing to fight under ALA Promotions last year. He was billed as “King” Arthur in his recent fight.
Last September, Villanueva beat the experienced Thai Pramunsak Posuwan by unanimous decision at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
Eto meanwhile, dropped to his second loss with 10 wins and 7 KOs. /Correspondent Rene Bonsubre Jr.