Losing not an option: Villanueva

Losing won't be an option for Arthur Villanueva in his World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight title eliminator with former world champion Zolani Tete this Sunday dawn (RP time) in England.

After suffering a defeat in his first shot at a world championship, Villanueva is eager to return to the championship level and this fight with Tete is his key back to the top.

"You will see a very determined Arthur Villanueva," ALA Gym head trainer Edito Villamor, who will be in Villanueva's corner with Robert Eturma, told SunStar Cebu.

Villanueva fought for the vacant International Boxing Feder- ation (IBF) super flyweight belt with McJoe Arroyo in 2015. He lost by a technical decision.

Tete, the former IBF super flyweight champion, has won backto-back fights against Victor Ruiz and Jose Santos Gonzalez, since his move up to the bantamweight division.

Though Tete is taller, Villamor believes that it won't be a factor because Villanueva has a long reach for his 5'5” frame.

"That's what team Villanueva has been working on, capitalize on Tete's weaknesses. Because Arthur is very well prepared and is very determined to win this fight," said Villamor.

Villanueva and his team flew for England last Saturday and arrived yesterday.

"We have already relaxed in our hotel after a 14-hour flight. But our flight went well and the weather here is good, it's not very cold," said Villamor.

Villanueva is 30-1 with 16 knockouts, while Tete is 24-3 with 20 knockouts.

The victor of the WBO bantamweight title eliminator earns a crack at the winner of the April 23 world title clash between WBO bantamweight king Marlon Tapales and Shohei Omori.

Team Villanueva is working on capitalizing on Tete’s weakness because Arthur is very well-prepared and very determined to win. EDITO VILLAMOR ALA Gym head trainer