Salinas, CA featherweight Ruben Villa might be the world champion that cannery row has been looking for as the fighter emerged as a true powerhouse in his division and looks to 2-3 years away from having a run at the top of the division. Villa, who spent most of his time in the amateurs fighting Shakur Stevenson, the U.S. Olympic silver medalist from the 2016 games, signed with Thompson Boxing in conjunction with Banner Boxing who has kept the young fighter very active.

In two years of being a professional fighter, Villa already has nine fights and has yet to lose a round professionally which is tough to do against any form of competition. Villa, who is training with Max Garcia, a legend in the Salinas, Ca area, will be looking for big things in the next couple of years.

Honorable Mention: Maxim Dadashev