Brian Viloria can't wait to avenge loss

WBO flyweight champion Brian (The Hawaiian Punch) Viloria will wait a little longer before exacting payback on Mexican nemesis Omar Niño Romero as their 12-round title fight has been reset from April 1 to April 21 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Viloria’s manager Gary Gittelsohn predicted the third bout between the two warriors will be conclusive. “Brian is so hungry to get Niño in the ring,” he said. “We all agreed to afford Niño additional time to deal with his issues.”

Romero was fined close to $12,000 for failing a drug test after battling Viloria to a majority draw in Las Vegas in November 2006. Three months earlier, the Mexican had dethroned Viloria as WBC lightflyweight champion via a unanimous decision, also in Las Vegas. Romero never settled his obligation with the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC).

When NSAC executive director Keith Kizer learned of Viloria’s coming defense against Romero, an appeal was made to WBO president Paco Valcarcel to withhold the Mexican’s clearance as challenger until the fine is paid.

Technically, the WBO is not obliged to withhold sanction because it was not involved in the 2006 fight. But it’s holding back because of Kizer’s appeal since the WBO is actively involved in sanctioning fights in Nevada, explained Solar TV CEO Peter Chanliong who is coordinating the event with Mexico’s Zanfer Promotions, Gittelsohn and the WBO.

Gittelsohn said he was assured that Romero will pay the fine. The speculation is the fine will be deducted from his purse by Zanfer. “We’re informed that Niño will pay his delinquent fine to the NSAC and as soon as the payment is acknowledged, the WBO will sanction the fight,” he said. “We agreed to postpone the fight after receiving assurances that the fine will be paid.”

Solar Sports’ Paolo Diaz said preparations for the Ynares show are proceeding smoothly. “We’re not sure if this issue of paying the fine popped up when Niño fought (Rodel) Mayol for the WBC title and won,” he said. “In the undercard, we’re working on the IBF title eliminator between Al Sabaupan and Marvin Quintero and possibly, a defense by WBO Asia Pacific youth superflyweight champion Mark Anthony Geraldo.”

Sabaupan, 23, is ranked No. 4 and Quintero, 25, No. 6 by the IBF in the lightweight division. The top two slots are vacant and John Molina is ranked No. 3. The winner of the Sabaupan-Quintero fight will move up to No. 1. Sabaupan of Sipocot, Camarines Sur, has an 18-0-1 record, with 13 KOs, while Quintero of Tijuana, Mexico, totes a 24-3 mark, with 20 KOs. Geraldo, 20, scored a majority 12-round decision over previously unbeaten Jerwin Ancajas to wrest the WBO Asia Pacific youth crown in Cebu last week and has a 25-4-3 record, including 10 KOs.

Chanliong said because of the postponement, Zanfer may bid to stage the Sabaupan-Quintero fight in Mexico instead. “If Zanfer doesn’t push it for Mexico, we’ll make the fight our main supporting bout,” he said.

Sabaupan and Quintero are both hard-hitting 5-7 southpaws. The bout is expected to finish inside the distance as the fighters are equally heavy-handed. Sabaupan has scored three first round knockouts, including a disposal of Thai Wopichit Twins Gym for the IBF Pan Pacific lightweight title in 2010. Quintero has won his last four outings, all by KO, and his three losses came by KO.

A possible addition to the card is WBA female superbantamweight queen Jackie Nava of Tijuana. Last January, she beat Chanttall Martinez on points for the WBA crown in Tijuana. Nava, 31, has a 26-4-3 record, with 11 KOs, and is daring Fil-Am Ana (The Hurricane) Julaton to a face-off.

“Jackie is tentative,” said Diaz. “Her hand swelled up last week after training. We’ll find out her availability in a few days. We tried to make the fight against Julaton. We’ll try again.” Julaton, 31, recently lost her WBO superbantamweight title to Yesica Marcos in Argentina. If the Nava-Julaton fight can’t be arranged for the April 21 show, it will remain a possibility in a future Manila event.

The plan is for the Viloria-Romero winner to meet the survivor of tomorrow’s WBA flyweight title bout between defending champion Hernan (Tyson) Marquez of Mexico and Filipino challenger Mayol in Sonora. The unification showdown will likely be held in July, maybe in the undercard of a major promotion headlined by Juan Manuel Marquez, said Chanliong.

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Viloria: Segura fight means P4P recognition

by gmanews.tv

World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight champion Brian Viloria didn't pick his next opponent, his opponent chose him.

The 30-year-old Hawaiian native Viloria, who now resides in Los Angeles, California brought himself back from the brink of irrelevance when he dug deep to come out on top against titlist Julio Cesar Miranda last July, but in the process inherited Giovani Segura's mandatory challenge.

The 29-year-old Segura (28-1-1, 24 knockouts) of Bell, California by way of Guerrero, Mexico is the reigning champion from the division below (light flyweight). He is coming off of two statement-making knockout victories over the legendary Ivan Calderon.

Segura is the eighth-ranked pound-for-pound fighter by The Ring Magazine.

It's not the ideal situation to walk into, but it's one that affords Viloria a unique opportunity to cement his legacy.

"This is the type of fight that will put you on the map," said Viloria, 29-3 (16 KOs). "These are the kind of fights that will put you on the top 10 pound for pound list. These are the type of fights you have to take in order for you to be remembered in this sport. It’s a big gamble, it’s gonna be really tough, but I think I have what it takes to defeat Segura."

Viloria, who was a US Olympian in the 2000 Games, has now won three world titles at 108 and 112 pounds and is poised to take on his biggest test of his professional career.

The fight was ordered by the WBO, which recognizes Viloria as champion, but was delayed due to a nasty cut suffered over his right eye. Viloria insists the cut is healing well, despite redness from the scar being visible upon closer inspection.

His first defense will likely be in early December, either in the Philippines or Hawaii, Viloria says.

Yet while his doctor cautioned him against sparring for the time being to protect the fresh wound, Viloria continues to log miles in roadwork to stay in shape.

The rise in weight from 108 to 112 pounds has given him extra leniency in his daily life, which he credits with being the difference between fading late in a fight (against Carlos Tamara) and pulling out a close victory (against Miranda).

"That extra four pounds is what gives me that extra boost of energy. It's really tough to come down, especially when you don’t have anything to lose around the waist area."

Viloria will need all the energy he can muster against Segura, who has collected the scalps of Filipino fighter Sonny Boy Jaro and Juanito Rubillar with his relentless, awkward pressure and prodigious knockout power.

The brash Segura went as far as to promise a dramatic victory over Viloria, telling GMA News "I will knock him out, no doubt."

"I've heard it all," said Viloria. "Before my last fight with Miranda, he said the same thing and I became the winner in that fight. It's all hype. I guess it's their way to keep themselves motivated. Being in this sport for so long, you hear things like that all the time, so I welcome that. It'll only put fire in my eyes and in my heart to do well."

"As far as who hits the hardest, anybody can hit hard in this division with the right type of punch. Or you can get hit with a lucky shot. It's how much work you put into the gym that will pull you out as a winner. All I need to do is work hard and anything can happen after that."

A win over Segura could be the tipping point for a spot in Canastota, N.Y. in the International Boxing Hall of Fame, an honor that Viloria says would be nice but that doesn't occupy much of his thinking. Yet despite his presence of mind on current affairs, Viloria says he does think about the future.

Having studied broadcast journalism at Northern Michigan University on a boxing scholarship, Viloria says he'd like to become a sports writer and "write other fighters' stories and just share that with the people." Or he'd like to star in a television show. Or he'd like to start a music career.

But foremost on his mind is Segura. And the feeling is mutual.

Viloria on Pacquiao-Marquez III

Viloria's career will forever be intertwined with that of Manny Pacquiao, having won and lost title fights in the undercard of the Filipino ring icon. Viloria feels that Pacquiao's improved versatility will enable him to defeat Juan Manuel Marquez for a second time when they meet in Las Vegas on November 12.

"I think he's (Pacquiao) a different fighter than he was the first couple of times," said Viloria. "I think he's learned a lot more; he's become more of a tactician. He's refined his skills a lot more. I think he's a lot better technically as a fighter than he was when he faced Marquez the first couple of times."

Viloria on Donaire-Narvaez

When asked about fellow California resident Nonito Donaire Jr. and his upcoming bantamweight title defense against undefeated Argentinian flyweight champion Omar Narvaez on October 22 in New York City, Viloria said with certainty his vote is for Donaire.

"I think Donaire has this fight. Donaire's too quick, he has too much power in his hands. But Narvaez is a scrappy fighter too so that fight I would love to watch. It will be an interesting fight but I think Donaire is too quick for him."

On the future of Filipino Boxing

While everyone will freely credit Pacquiao with the current popularity, the question remains: Will Filipino boxing maintain its popularity once the fighting congressman from Sarangani finally decides to hang up his gloves.

"It will," said Viloria. "There’s so much great fighters out there in the Philippines that all they need is a stage for them to perform on and to show their skills. When we're long gone, there will be lots of great fighters coming out of the Philippines."

Viloria noted Mercito Gesta and Denver Cuello as emerging talents he believes will carry the torch in the future. — JVP, GMA News


Ryan Songalia is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) and contributes to GMA News and the Filipino Reporter newspaper in New York City. He can be reached ryan@ryansongalia.com. An archive of his work can be found at www.ryansongalia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @RyanSongalia.

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'Super champ' Segura aims to challenge newly-crowned Viloria

source:By Ryan Songalia

While Brian Viloria celebrates winning his third world title, the man he may potentially face next is already counting the days until their showdown.

Viloria (29-3, 16 KO) of Waipahu, Hawaii scored a unanimous decision over Mexico's Julio Cesar Miranda Saturday night in Honolulu to snatch the World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight title.

It was Viloria's third consecutive victory since losing the 108-pound belt to Carlos Tamara via 12th round TKO last January.

Giovanni Segura - the WBO's 108-pound "super champion" - claims that he is the rightful next challenger for the 2000 US Olympian.

"Viloria has to fight the mandatory with me," said the 29-year-old Segura, a native of Altamirano, Guerrero, Mexico now residing in Bell, California.

Segura (28-1-1, 24 KO) holds two knockout wins over future Hall of Famer Ivan Calderon and recently tested the waters at 115 pounds, knocking a journeyman out in the first round last month in a non-title bout.

Segura's manager Richard Mota said that, while there is nothing signed, there is an "understanding" that if Viloria won the fight, Segura will challenge the Filipino-American champion.

"There's no signed contract on the fight yet, but it's mandatory by the WBO," said Mota.

"Since he was the champion at 108 and left the title vacant, he's the mandatory number one challenger. [Zanfer Promotions, which promotes Miranda and Segura] made a deal to give [Viloria] the chance without an optional defense."

Calls and emails to WBO president Francisco "Paco" Valcarcel, ESQ as well as Viloria's manager Gary Gittelsohn were not returned by Sunday evening.

Regarding mandatory rankings for champions moving up in weight, the WBO's regulations state: "If requested by a Super Champion, the Championship Committee may designate the Super Champion as the mandatory challenger for the immediate higher or lower division.

In the case of a Super Champion who has lost a fight since receiving Super Champion designation, the Championship Committee may recommend the designation of the Super Champion as the mandatory challenger for the immediate higher or lower division, which may then be designated by a ¾ vote of the Executive Committee."

Mota said that the cut Viloria suffered over his right eye may push a fight between the two back to next year. He said Segura may take a tuneup if Viloria isn't ready by the end of this year, but that he wouldn't allow Viloria to defend the title in the interim.

According to Segura, he helped Viloria train for five of his fights and sparred together for a number of years out of the Azteca Boxing Club in Bell. Included in that fight is is first world title win against Eric Ortiz in 2005.

"We know each other well and he knows how strong I am," said Segura. "If I fight with Viloria, I will knock him out, no doubt."

When asked if he'd be willing to go to Hawaii to fight Viloria, Segura responded, "With pleasure. It's good for me. I'll stay for a vacation." - JVP, GMA News


Ryan Songalia is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) and contributes to GMA News and the Filipino Reporter newspaper in New York City. He can be reached at ryan@ryansongalia.com. An archive of his work can be found atwww.ryansongalia.com. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ryansongalia.

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