Arthur Villanueva and his team are set to leave for the United States this week, and veteran trainer Edito Villamor said that his Bago City-hailed, world ranked No. 3 fighter is ready to face No. 1 McJoe Arroyo of Puerto Rico.
Both will vie for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) world super flyweight title on July 18 at the Don Haskins Convention Center in El Paso, Texas.
Villamor described his protege's training as a tough one.
“Arthur is determined to become a world champion. His skills and experience will be his edge over the Puerto Rican,” he added.
Still undefeated, the 26-year-old Villanueva who has a 27-0 record with 14 knockouts will be facing one of the toughest fights of his career.
Arroyo's numbers are impressive too, an unstained 16-0 and the "King"s only advantage is his +11 wins.
The Negrense wonder earned the opportunity to become a world champion after former champion Zolani Tete of South African refused to accept the challenge from Arroyo's camp and decided to vacate the belt.
Villanueva is also looking forward to continue his winning streak this year. His last triumph was a unanimous decision over former world flyweight champion Julio Cesar Pingo Miranda last February in Davao City.
Last year, Villanueva also got a split decision triumph over Nicaraguan Henry Maldonado for the vacant IBF International super flyweight title.
Arroyo is likewise coming off a stunning second round TKO over previously unbeaten Filipino Froilan “Sniper” Saludar in June last year .