'El Matador' makes ring return in ''Pinoy Pride 13"

CEBU, Philippines - Super flyweight prospect Arthur “El Matador” Villanueva will return to the ring in the 13th installment of the country’s premiere boxing stage 'Pinoy Pride' on March 24 at the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Villanueva, who is undefeated in 17 fights with 12 of his wins coming by way of knockout, was scheduled to debut last year in the undercard of the 'Pinoy Pride 9' that featured the WBO light flyweight title bout between now two-division world champion Donnie Nietes and former champ Ramon Garcia Hirales of Mexico.

Unfortunately, with a week left before the fight, Villanueva figured in a freak accident while slicing an apple, almost severing his mid finger in the process.

His much-anticipated comeback nears as he is to meet Philippine No.8 super flyweight contender Rey Migreno, a veteran warrior who has fought some big names including the newly-crowned WBC flyweight titlist Sonny Boy Jaro.

Migreno has likewise challenged for the WBC ABC flyweight belt and the interim IBF Pan-Pacific light flyweight title.

This will be his toughest test to date, but Villanueva feels confident heading into the battle as he has been on a sizzling run highlighted by 10 consecutive KOs under his name.

Topbilled by AJ "Bazooka" Banal who will defend his WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight crown against Mexican hard-puncher Raul "El Bule" Hidalgo, the 'Pinoy Pride 13:Road to Glory" is presented by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports.

Tickets are available at the ALA Promotions head office with numbers 236-4611, ALA Gym at the Banilad Town Center, Waterfront Hotel and Casino Cebu, Mooon Café IT Park, Ila Puti IT Park, USA Sports and Bisaya Ispisyal outlets, Pacific Mall Mandaue and Gaisano Tabunok.   - (THE FREEMAN)