July 18, 2015 Arthur Villanueva vs McJoe Arroyo at Don Haskins Convention Center, El Paso, Texas for the vacant IBF World super flyweight title
Arthur Villanueva lost the fight in a battle against MacJoe Arroyo. On Sunday, Arthur Villanueva entered the Don Haskins Convention Centre in El Paso, Texas on July 19 as a determined fighter. A few spectators were hoping he should have clinched the price.
The fight against McJoe Arroyo for the vacant seat of the Filipino boxer’s IBF junior bantamweight title ended shortly in the 10th round as a result of a head clash that resulted into a deep gash on the right eye of Villanueva. This was coupled with wide scores 98-91 on double cards and 97-92 on the third round to a Puerto Rican fighter.
Villanueva (27-1, 14 knockouts) was the most determined fighter as he threw 494 and landed 95. While Arroyo threw just 278 and landed 77. Villanueva, in the earlier rounds, put his right hands to use most of the time. Arroyo waited for an opportunity for counterpunch to arise infrequently. Villanueva, an Orthodox fighter who is from Bacolod City, Philippines clashed heads with southpaw fighter Arroyo during several occasions.
Rafael Ramos, the referee born in Puerto Rico but a resident of Texas, did deduct one point from Villanueva on the 6th round for a head clash though Arroyo had been forward during that moment. Ramos put a stop to the fight at 2:05 mark as the fight headed to Villanueva’s direction. This was because of a cut opened rounds earlier.
Villanueva deserved to emerge victorious but Arroyo on the other hand, strategized and fought effectively but with less effort to win the price. This was the first fight in the U.S that Villanueva has been involved in. It was televised by Showtime Championship Boxing, U.S.
Donnie Nietes, Ring magazine/WBO junior flyweight champ still reigns as the only boxing champion from Philippine. Villanueva vs. McJoe was an engaging fight between two lions determined to clinch the price. However, only one won and that is McJoe Arroyo.