By Jake Donovan
McWilliams Arroyo has been angling for another bid at a major title, but in the meantime will gladly settle for a long overdue homecoming.
The flyweight contender will take on a stay busy fight, as he faces Robert Kanalas on August 22 in his hometown of Fajardo, Puerto Rico. The bout will mark his second ring appearance since coming up just short in a bid versus reigning flyweight titlist Amnat Ruenroeng last September.
The fight in Fajardo marks his first hometown showcase since July ’11, when he knocked out Lorenzo Trejo in two rounds. Headlining the show will be unbeaten bantamweight Emmanuel Rodriguez, who faces Alex Rangel.
"We were in talks with the people of Fresh Boxing Promotions (the lead promoter for the August 22 show) and we agreed to let McWilliams fight on August 22 in his hometown, which will keep active for what we are negotiating for him (Arroyo)," said Peter Rivera, vice president of PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP), Arroyo’s promoter.
Arroyo continues his quest to join his twin brother, McJoe in the championship circle. The twins served on the 2008 Puerto Rico Olympic boxing team, and vowed to become world champions together in the pro ranks.
A pair of key fights last June put both in prominent positions; McJoe stopped Hernan Marquez in 11 rounds—followed by a 12-round decision over Mark Geraldo last December—to move into the top spot for a flyweight belt.
McWilliams scored a 2nd round knockout over Froilan Saludar, which led to an immediate crack at Ruenroeng. The bout was tightly contested, but with Arroyo coming up just short on the road in Thailand. He has since rebounded with a 3rd round knockout win over Victor Ruiz in April, and was present at ringside when McJoe claimed a super flyweight belt in a decision win over Arthur Villanueva last month in Texas.
Preliminary talks had McWilliams Arroyo in the running for a crack at World flyweight king Román Gonzalez in October, but the fight ultimately went to former two-division champ Brian Viloria.
Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox