Ruben Villa Signs Multi-Fight Deal with Top Rank, Returns to Ring on May 13

Ruben Villa Signs Multi-Fight Deal with Top Rank, Returns to Ring on May 13

Featherweight prospect Ruben “Drac” Villa has signed a multi-fight promotional contract with Top Rank, one of the biggest names in boxing promotion. Villa, a 25-year-old southpaw from Salinas, California, will make his comeback in an eight-round bout on May 13, on the undercard of the Janibek Alimkhanuly-Steven Butler WBO middleweight title fight at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.

Top Rank chairman Bob Arum expressed his confidence in Villa’s abilities, saying, “Ruben Villa has everything it takes to become a world champion. He’s a young, talented southpaw who has already tested himself at the sport’s highest level. His future is very bright.”

Villa, who holds a record of 19-1 with 6 KOs, spoke about his excitement to fight consistently on ESPN and his eagerness to win a world title as soon as possible. He added, “I look forward to fighting in Stockton, where my hometown fans will be out in full force.”

Villa’s manager, Rick Mirigian, also expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with Top Rank, saying, “Villa will be a world champion very soon. This partnership was the perfect fit, and we thank Top Rank for a tremendous deal for Ruben to prove he belongs with the top featherweights.”

Villa captured the WBO International featherweight title in May 2019 with a unanimous decision over Luis Alberto Lopez, who is now the IBF featherweight world champion. He then defeated top Mexican contender Jose Enrique Vivas four months later. These victories earned him a shot at Emanuel Navarrete for the WBO featherweight world title in October 2020. Although Navarrete dropped Villa in the first and fourth rounds, Villa outboxed him for long stretches. However, Navarrete's two knockdowns proved to be crucial as he won a unanimous decision by scores of 114-112 2x and 115-111. Villa has only fought once since the Navarrete loss, knocking out Horacio Garcia in the ninth round last April.

Villa’s first fight under the new deal with Top Rank will be an opportunity for him to get back on track towards his goal of becoming a world champion. With his talent and determination, it’s only a matter of time before we see him rise to the top of the featherweight division.