Ruben Villa Speaks to Troubled Kids at Monterey County Youth Center

Published by Shawn C.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE, Calif. (April 25, 2018) – One week after
winning his first professional title (WBO Youth) in his hometown of
Salinas, Calif., prized featherweight prospect *Ruben Villa* paid a visit
to the *Monterey County Youth Center* where he spoke to at risk
adolescents.

“There were a lot of young kids, kids that are still in high school that
never really got the guidance that you would want them to have,” *said
Villa, who sports an undefeated record of 11-0, 4 KOs*. “My message was
simple. You can still better your life, but you have to find the motivation
that’s going to make you want to change.”

Villa, 21, was fortunate to have found the sweet science at an early age.
He started boxing the same year he entered kindergarten. Many youth in
Monterey County and the greater Salinas area get involved with gangs at a
young age and enter a path of criminal behavior that almost always ends in
incarceration.

“I just tried telling them my story how boxing kept me focus and out of
trouble,” *Villa said*. “At the end of the day, you need to do right by
your community. I think these kids want to change and make their family
proud, but they need reinforcement and help.”

Although young himself, Villa has developed a reputation for caring deeply
for the area he grew up in. The southpaw is always looking for ways to help.

“It’s just one of the qualities that I saw in Ruben when I signed him,” *said
manager Danny Zamora.* “He is very humble and makes me very proud that he
is such a positive role model to the community of Salinas. I am glad that
he is giving back to the kids that need it the most.”

*The Monterey County Youth Center* is a residential facility and aftercare
program offering educational and rehabilitation opportunities for juvenile
court wards.