Few American fighters have been as decorated as Ruben Villa during his amateur career.
Villa (21-1, 7 KOs) will take on Cristian Cruz Chacon (22-6-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round match on April 13 in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Vila, a proud featherweight born in Salinas, California, hopes to achieve his dream of winning a world title this year.
Raymond Ford is on the fence, saying he will immediately vacate the WBA featherweight title after his win over Otabek Kolmatov, but he said in a press release on Friday that he wants to fight Nick Ball (Ball won against Rey Vargas) (if there is a tie). Ford's future is uncertain.
Villa also has a win over IBF world featherweight champion Luis Alberto López, and Rafael Espinoza's win over LoBaycy Ramirez increases his chances of winning the WBO featherweight title, but both men will be scheduled to win the WBO featherweight title later this year. It is thought that a rematch will take place. With Vargas and Ball tied in a draw in Saudi Arabia, it looks like there are candidates in the division to challenge for the championship, and Villa are hoping for the call.
“Yes, I believe I can beat the world champion this year,” Villa declared to BoxingScene. “I want to fight for a world title as soon as possible. Due to the politics of boxing, I took a two-year hiatus from him. Now I'm just hungry, I've been in the gym all the time, but now I'm just hungry. I’m just hungry for a big game.”
Villa's only loss was a split decision against Emmanuel Navarrete. The fight was for the vacant WBO featherweight title. Since that defeat 41 months ago, Villa have won three in a row. Two of his three wins were by knockout, including a stoppage of Maicol López Villagrana, and the fight took place in Stockton, California, two hours from his hometown. His victory fired up the usually stoic Villa, who stood at the ring ropes in front of fans who had driven to see the match.
Villa, the fighting pride of Salinas, wants to bring the world title back to his beloved homeland.
“I love Salinas,” Villa added. “I’m very proud of where I’m from.”
“I’m going to do well in this match, execute my game plan and win the world title.”
The 26-year-old southpaw spent the early part of his career co-promoting with Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions, and will be fighting for the third time with new promoter Top Rank. He now hopes to put on a performance that will lead to his second title fight.
