 Villanueva turned professional in 2007.In 2009, Villanueva won the WBO Oriental featherweight title by stopping previously unbeaten Eric Canoy in the 10th round.His first fight in the United States was supposed to be on November 12, 2011 on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez III undercard against an undecided opponent, but visa issues prevented Villanueva from participating in the event.