Blue chip prospect Ruben Villa (3-0, 2 KOs) of Salinas, Calif. went the distance for the first time as a professional on Friday night during the off-television potion of ShoBox: The New Generation. Villa, who is a southpaw, defeated the crafty and previously unbeaten Aaron Lopez (4-1, 2 KOs) by unanimous decision.
Villa, who started his career with two consecutive first round knockouts, won every round by showing off his boxing skills in the battle of undefeated fighters.
The 19 year-old Villa pushed the pace throughout the fight and had Lopez in trouble several times. Villa has been very active, as this was his third win since turning professional on July 29.
“I’m happy I got the win,” said Villa, who is co-promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions. “I know my family and friends who were in attendance wanted a knockout, but I’m glad I got some rounds in with a pretty good fighter.”
In other action on Friday’s card, world ranked lightweight Xolisani Ndongeni (22-0, 11 KOs) kept his perfect record intact with a unanimous decision win over Juan Garcia Mendez (19-2-1, 12 KOs). Ndongeni worked off an active jab that set up a proficient body attack. Ndongeni, 26-years-old, is ranked no. 3 by the WBA, and he showed the class of a world championship contender in his U.S. debut.
Super flyweight Saul Sanchez (2-0, 1 KO) remains undefeated after outpointing Danny Andujo (2-1, 1 KO) through six rounds (59-55 twice, 58-56). Sanchez, who hails from Indio, Calif., delivered the more accurate combinations. Andujo returned fire throughout the fight, but it wasn’t enough, as the judges rewarded Sanchez for his accuracy.
The opening bout featured an exciting scrap between young welterweights Jerry Larios (1-0) and Jose Gonzalez (1-2). Larios, in his pro debut, displayed an excellent attacking style that frustrated the often-backpedalling Gonzalez. The high work rate resulted in Larios’ first professional win (unanimous decision: 40-36 twice, 39-37).
