Bago City native Arthur Villanueva expressed his disgust after losing his first fight when he challenged former Olympian and undefeated McJoe Arroyo of Puerto Rico for the International Boxing Federation super flyweight title in El Paso, Texas Sunday.

Villanueva, who was 27-0 with 14 knockouts going into the fight, lost after the fight was cut short in the 10th round due to a cut in the ALA fighter's face and the fight went to the score cards.

Larry Hazzard Jr. and Levi Martinez had Arroyo winning with a comfortable, 98-91, while John Stewart had it, 97-92, giving the former Olympian Arroyo the IBF super flyweight crown.

Arroyo also extended his unbeaten streak to 17-0.

"I don't agree with the scores because they made sure that I was way behind in the scorecards. I believe I was ahead and he couldn't even hit me with a solid punch," the 26-year-old Villanueva of the ALA boxing stable said.

Villanueva was deducted a point in Round 6 after a clash of heads but it was Arroyo who was lunging in that moment.

Rafael Ramos, the referee, was born in Puerto Rico like Arroyo but now lives in Texas.

Villanueva said the crowd seemed to agree with his assessment that he won and made it known after the decision was read.

"He (Arroyo) was booed by the fans," he said.

On the other hand, Villanueva's coach Edito Villamor felt the fight should not have been stopped because their corner had control of the cut on Villanueva's head.

"I don't agree with the stoppage because Arthur's wound wasn't bleeding. If it was, then it should have been stopped. And his wound wasn't on his eye lid," said Villamor.

The fight was stopped at the 2:05 mark of the 10th round on the ring physician's advice.

"My cut was okay but we don't have a choice because they have the control," Villanueva said.

Villamor felt the fight would have eventually gone his way in the 11th and 12th rounds.

"I thought it was even after the ninth round and the championship rounds would have determined who won as Villanueva was rallying at that point," he said.

That assessment ran counter to what the judges saw as based on their decisions, two gave nine of the first 10 rounds to Arroyo, while the other gave him eight of the first 10.

Despite the bitter loss, Villamor said they will just accept it and move on, while Villanueva wants a rematch.

"We will just accept the decision that they gave. We can't do anything about it anymore because that's their decision. We never complain, we just hope for better luck next time," he said.

Villanueva said, "I don't know what's next for me but if there is a chance, I want a rematch," he said.*PNA

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