Arthur Biyarslanov vs Marcos Villasana
The “Wolf” is hungry. Less than three months after claiming the NABF super lightweight title, Arthur “The Wolf” Biyarslanov will defend it for the first time on September 5 against the tough Mexican Marcos Villasana at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal. The event will also be broadcast live at 7:00 PM on Punching Grace and ESPN+.
“It’s quite exciting to defend my title for the first time! My goal is to advance in the rankings with each fight. I plan to step up my level of opposition every time, until the day I get my chance at the top,” says Arthur Biyarslanov (15-0, 13 KOs), now ranked 25th in the world by the WBC at 140 lbs.
Since joining Eye of the Tiger in March, the Canadian’s plan has been followed to the letter. On September 5, he will be in his 3rd fight in less than six months and his 2nd with the NABF title on the line.
“As I’ve already told the entire Eye of the Tiger team, with Arthur, we won’t say no to any opponent and won’t shy away from any challenge,” adds his trainer, Samuel Décarie-Drolet, straightforwardly.
To continue his ascent, the Rio Olympian faces the tireless boxer from Acapulco, Mexico, Marcos Villasana (28-7, 15 KOs). A veteran with 35 fights, Villasana has won 13 of his last 14 bouts. During this stretch, he has upset 4 previously unbeaten prospects, including world title challenger Roiman Villa, who recently fought Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis for the 147 lbs world championship. In fact, the only man to have defeated him in the last 9 years is another EOTTM recruit, Dzmitry Asanau, in a 2022 decision win. Villasana is also known for never being knocked down. Throughout his career, his only stoppage loss was due to injury.
“Villasana should not be taken lightly; he has already defeated several unbeaten prospects. No one has really stopped him. We are definitely aiming for victory, but the goal is to stop him,” Décarie-Drolet added.
With several announcements coming, the undercard also promises to be impressive. In action: the dangerous puncher, now ranked 11th IBF and 15th WBC, Imam Khataev (7-0, 7 KOs), will return to Quebec to continue his rise in the 175 lbs division. The two-time world title challenger Mary Spencer (8-2, 6 KOs) will also step into the ring for a significant fight. The return of highly talented prospects Christopher Guerrero (11-0, 6 KOs), Avery Martin Duval (11-0-1, 7 KOs), Jhon Orobio (10-0, 9 KOs), Wilkens Mathieu (9-0, 6 KOs), and Moreno Fendero (6-0, 4 KOs) is also planned for the evening.