Ruben Villa

There's a familiarity with the opponent. Ruben Villa sparred with Enrique Vivas earlier this year, not once, but a handful of times.

This time it counts as the two will get reacquainted in the ring Friday as part of the co-main event for ShoBox - The New Generation in Midland, Texas.

Both fighters come into the 10-round featherweight bout -- which will be shown on SHOWTIME -- undefeated and ranked in separate boxing councils.

"He's real aggressive," said Villa, a southpaw with a 67 1/2 inch reach. "We plan on being smart and taking it to him in the second half of the fight."

Villa is coming off an unanimous 10-round decision back in May, improving his professional record to 16-0, vaulting him to No. 8 in the World Boxing Organization.

Vivas, who is from Mexico, is 17-0 in his career with nine knockouts, earning a top six ranking in Mexico in his weight class.

"He's not here to lose," the 22-year-old Villa said. "He's undefeated. I'm prepared as well. I did five or six 10 round spars with him. I didn't get to tired."

Villa, who turned pro after graduating from Alvarez High at the age of 18, has dominated his weight class under Team Garcia in Salinas.

"I've been doing this for a long time," Villa said. "Our training camps are always hard. I always push myself. I just want to be better than my last fight."

While Villa has five knockouts in his pro career, the Salinas native is more of an endurance fighter, wearing down his opponents with jabs, while avoiding taking hard shots.

The ability to adjust styles in mid -fight, maintain his composure and never appear rattled are what has catapulted him into elite company in a short time.

"What separates me from other fighters is keeping my composure and not hitting the panic button," Villa said. "Other fighters can't adjust to what's coming on. I fell that's what I do well."

Villa, who arrived in Midland on Tuesday, understands that Vivas is aggressive and a hard puncher when making contact.

"I have to be sharp and not get hit with to many punches," Villa said. "It's a matter of how fast can I break him down. Each fight gets a little more challenging."

With each win, the target on Villa's back gets a little bigger. A title bout isn't that far from becoming a reality in his mind.

"I'd say two or three more fights against ranked opponents," Villa said. "I'm patient. I don't want to rush anything. I take my career seriously."

Most ranked boxers in Villa's weight class have had at least 20 professional fights, although there isn't a current belt holder, as the WBO lists his weight class as vacant.

While the 5-foot-6 Villa has spaced out his fights during his pro career, he's always keeping himself in shape in the event the right call comes along.

"I'm not just chilling after a fight," Villa said. "I don't put on 20 pounds. I'm always in the gym, staying active. If the call comes, we'll be prepared to go."

Villa feels the gradual climb in the caliber of competition he has faced has been perfect stepping stones towards becoming a world champion.

"I feel I'm right where I need to be at this point in my career," Villa said. "This has been planed. I can't wait to see what Friday night holds."