By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense boxer Arthur Villanueva aims to overcome his recent struggles as he faces Mexican fighter Bryan Mercado for the World Boxing Council (WBC) international super bantamweight title in Mexico City on Friday, February 7.

The Negros Occidental’s Bago City native Villanueva had a forgetful campaign last year as he suffered a fourth-round stoppage against Elijah Pierce.

He subsequently lost to former world title contender, Saul Sanchez, by unanimous decision.

According to Villanueva, he is determined to win convincingly against Mercado to secure him a position in the world rankings.

Mercado is currently ranked No. 9 by the WBC and No. 15 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

Since September of last year, Villanueva has been training in the United States, having commenced his preparations in December.

He is training under the mentorship of former world champion Rodel Mayol at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Gym and Justine Fortune’s Fortune Gym in Los Angeles.

Villanueva’s professional record stands at 35 wins, six losses and one draw, with 20 knockouts.

Mercado boasts a record of 29 wins and one loss, with 23 knockouts./ASC, WDJ