Servania seeks crucial win for WBO bid

MANILA, Philippines - Unbeaten Genesis Servania hopes to get past veteran and former World Boxing Association (WBA) super-flyweight champion Alexander Muñoz in their Pinoy Pride XXIV showdown this weekend for a possible crack at the WBA super-bantamweight crown held by Guillermo Rigondeaux.

The 22-year-old Servania slugs it out with Muñoz in the co-main event card of the Pinoy Pride XXIV on Saturday at Solaire Resort and Casino Hotel in Pasay City. An impressive win over the Venezuelan will definitely boost the WBO’s No. 3 ranked fighter.

Nonito Donaire Jr. is actually at No. 2 but with the former two-time world title holder set to go up in weight and challenge Simpiwe Vetyeka of South Africa for the WBA featherweight crown, a win over Muñoz is expected to earn Servania a shot at the undefeated Rigondeaux.

“The opportunity is just around the corner, that’s why we’re just waiting for the right time,” said ALA Promotions vice president Dennis Canete, who accompanied Servania, King Arthur Villanueva, and Albert Pagara.

Aware of what’s at stake in his 12-round meeting with the 35-year-old Muñoz (36-5, 28 KOs) for the WBO Intercontinental jr. featherweight title, Servania said he’s not about to take chances as he stakes his unbeaten record of 23-0 with 9 KOs.

“I really trained hard for this fight since Muñoz is a tough fighter,” said Servania, who trained for a month in the US and another month in Cebu.

Villanueva (24-0, 14 KOs) is also rated No. 3 by the WBO in the super-flyweight class and will be up against last-minute replacement Fernando Aguilar of Mexico. The native of Bago City, Bacolod was originally set to face Mexican Juan Hernandez, who unfortunately, got involved in a motorcycle accident last week.

Still, Villanueva said he remains focused on the fight despite being informed about the change in opponent on short notice.

“Wala naman po tayong problema sa kundisyon, kasi alam naman natin ang mga Mehikano hindi basta-basta yang magpapatalo lalo na sa boksing,” said the 25-year-old Villanueva in the session presented by Shakey’s, Accel, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

Canete considers both Villanueva and Servania as among the rising stars of the famed ALA boxing stable, owned by the father and son tandem of Tony and Michael Aldeguer, who produced world champions Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, Merlito Sabillo and Joma Gamboa.

“This is also the right time for both Genesis and Villanueva to know where they are right now when pitted against the best in the world,” said the ALA boxing executive.

Pagara (18-0, 12 KOs), meanwhile battles Isack Junior of Indonesia in the main feature of the five-fight undercard.