Ruben Villa makes homecoming debut on Saturday, April 14 in Salinas, California

Published by Shawn C.

PHILADELPHIA, PENN./ORANGE, Calif. (March 23, 2018)–Heralded
featherweight prospect Ruben Villa returns home for the 1st time as a
professional as he headlines in the Northern California city of Salinas on
Saturday, April 14, from the popular Salinas Storm House.

The show is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

“Ruben has been coming along great, and on April 14th, he will thrill his
hometown fans,” said Banner Promotions President, Arthur Pelullo. “We are
looking forward to this special night for Ruben, for him not only to put on
a great performance in his hometown, but to capture his first championship.”

“This show has been in the works for more than a year,” said Alex
Camponovo, who as Matchmaker and General Manager of Thompson Boxing. “It’s
an excellent show from top-to-bottom featuring talent from all over the Bay
Area and surrounding parts. You have Ruben looking to win his first
professional title [WBO Youth] in his hometown.”

Villa, 20, will be locked in a battle with fellow prospect Marlon Olea
(13-2, 12 KOs) of Colombia in the 8-round “New Blood” main event where the
WBO Youth Featherweight Title is up for grabs. Villa, a southpaw, is
currently in Riverside, Calif. with trainer Max Garcia preparing for his
main event debut.

“I’m excited to headline my first event,” said Villa, who is co-promoted by
Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I’ve been preparing for this my
whole life. It came fast. There’s a lot to be happy about. It’s a title
fight, and it will be in front of my hometown fans.”

Villa will certainly receive a challenge from Olea. He holds a unanimous
decision loss against WBA World Champion Danny Roman and is known as a
pressure fighter with excellent instincts.

“He’s a mover, and he’s quick with his hands,” Villa said. “I’ll be ready
for him. We are getting a little bit of everything in this training camp.
I’m sparring guys that like to box and guys that are coming in and
pressuring.”

New to Villa for this fight has been the abundance of ticket requests from
local boxing fans. The former two-time Golden Gloves Champion has already
sold 400 tickets, yet the requests keep pouring in.

“To be honest, I’m not sure how it’s going to feel to fight in my
hometown,” Villa said. “I tend to tune out all the white noise and just
box. I’m sure there will be some moments when I recognize the crowd. I have
to enjoy it, but keep my poise.”

Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $40, $75, & $125, and are available
for purchase by calling 714-935-0900 <(714)%20935-0900>, or online at
ThompsonBoxing.com.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. local time with the first bout at approximately 6:00
p.m. The Salinas Storm House is located at 185 Maryal Dr. Salinas, CA 93907
<maps.google.com/?q=185+Maryal+Dr.+Salinas,+CA+93907&entry=gmail&source=g>
.

All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: New Blood via Thompson
Boxing Facebook page and ThompsonBoxing.com.

The livestream starts at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET with Beto Duran as the
blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert color commentary.