Stronger, more skillful Servania set for title defense vs. Munoz

CEBU, Philippines - A stronger and more skillful Genesis ‘Azucal’ Servania (23-0, 9KOs) will take on former Venezuelan world champion Alexander ‘El Explosivo’ Munoz (36-5, 28KOs) in the main event of ‘Pinoy Pride XXIV: The Future is Now’ on March 1 at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City.

After his month-long training camp in United States and Mexico, the 22-year-old ring star from the ALA Boxing Gym promised to put on an impressive show as he defends his WBO Intercontinental junior featherweight title against the dangerous Munoz.

“I feel confident after my training in US and Mexico. I sparred with elite boxers and world champions and it really helped me in improving my skills and strength,” said Servania in a press conference yesterday at the Copenhagen Hotel and Residences in Mandaue City.

“Aside from the physical aspect, I think the best thing that I got from my training camp was the mental toughness and experience, especially after training in world class boxing gyms.”

For his part, ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer admitted that it is a risk pitting Servania against Munoz, but it has to be done to see if his ward has what it takes to become a world title contender.

“We’ve got to understand that 122 lbs. is a very dangerous division that is stacked with elite fighters. That is why this is a very important fight for Genesis to see if he is really ready for a world title fight,” said Aldeguer. “He is young and he is improving and we will see how he matured after that training camp.”       

A crack at the world title is inevitable for Servania as he is now ranked No.3 by the World Boxing Organization next to former four-division world champion Nonito Donaire and American Chris Avalos. The WBO 122 lbs. belt is currently held by Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux.

But he faces a thorn in his path that is Munoz, who carries an impressive resume having fought a long list of world-class boxers such as Japanese champion Koki Kameda, Eiji Kojima, Nabuo Nashiro and Mexican star Cristian Mijares.

In the supporting bouts of the blockbuster card co-presented by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, another undefeated ALA ring warrior in ‘King’ Arthur Villanueva (23-0, 13KOs) will risk his WBO international junior bantamweight crown against Mexican Juan ‘Churritos’ Hernandez (23-3, 16KOs), while super bantamweight prospect ‘Prince’ Albert Pagara (18-0, 12KOs) will slug it out with Isack Junior (22-4, 8KOs) of Indonesia. (FREEMAN)