BAGO City's pride and world No. 3 "King" Arthur Villanueva will fly to the United States on July 6 to challenge Puerto Rico's McJoe Arroyo for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) world super flyweight title on July 16 at the Don Haskins Convention Center in El Paso, Texas.
The 26-year-old Negrense earned the title shot against the number one ranked Arroyo after erstwhile South African champion Zolani Tete refused to accept a title defense against the Puerto Rican and decided to vacate the belt instead.
Villanueva is still undefeated with a record of 27 wins 14 by knockouts.
He is also looking forward to win back-to-back this year after beating via a unanimous decision, former world flyweight champion Julio Cesar Pingo Miranda last February 7.
The Bagoeño also had a split decision victory over Henry Maldonado of Nicaragua in a battle for the vacant IBF International title in September last year.
Villanueva is currently in Cebu City undergoing rigid preparation under the supervision of veteran coach Edito Villamor at the ALA gym.
Arroyo earned a shot at the IBF flyweight title with a stunning second round TKO over unbeaten Filipino Froilan "Sniper" Saludar in June last year. He suffered a split decision loss, however, against Thailand's world champion Amnat Ruenroeng.