‘Hawaiian Punch’ ready to mix it up

Brian "The Hawaiian Punch" Viloria felt he’s in his best shape ever in his young career and nobody in his division can withstand his power at the moment.

Viloria exuded with so much confidence, less than two weeks before he climbs the ring for his first defense of his WBC Light Flyweight crown against Mexican challenger Jose Antonio "El Jaguar" Aguirre on Feb. 19 at the Aladdin Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In a phone-patched interview with the Philippine media at the Crowne Plaza in Mandaluyong yesterday, Viloria, who’s in Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, California, said: "I’ve been ready for weeks now. I’m in great shape. I’ll just go there and get him."

The 24-year-old fighter, born in Oahu, Hawaii of Filipino parents, is making the first defense of the WBC Light Flyweight title he won via a stunning first-round stoppage of another Mexican Eric Ortiz last Sept. 10 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The fight took place as the co-featured bout on the first Manny Pacquiao-Erik Morales "Double Trouble" card.

"I have the edge power-wise because I’m the bigger guy and I’m a lot quicker. I’m gonna use my speed and power. I’ve got a strong right and I don’t think any fighter in my division can withstand my power," said Viloria.

"I have matured a lot and become a lot more better fighter than a few years back. I’m also comfortable and more focused as a fighter now," Viloria added.

The boxing event will be aired simulcast on Solar Sports and RPN 9 starting at 10 a.m. There will be a replay from 6-9 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 22.

Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer who also handles Viloria, vouched for the Hawaiian Punch’s readiness against Aguirre, who curiously is a fighter under the Erik Morales stable.

"We’re ready for a 12-round fight," said Roach.

But Aguirre is no easy assignment for Viloria, having been a former WBC minimumweight champion. The 30-year-old has a professional record of 33-4-1 (win-loss draw) with 20 knockouts. One of his victims during his reign in the minimumweight is Filipino Manny Melchor.

"He’s strong. And typical of Mexican fighter, he’s going to push you and ready to exchange blows. He surely knows how to fight and has strength for 12 rounds," said Viloria.

Viloria will climb the ring, carrying a clean 18-0-0 record with 12 knockouts.

Gary Gittelsohn, Viloria’s manager, said they intend to keep his fighter active this year for a possible big-money fight with WBC flyweight ruler Jorge Arce. Gittelsohn refused to reveal the purses in the Viloria-Aguirre showdown, just saying "it’s significantly less than the Pacquiao-Morales fight."

"It’s gonna happen and it has to happen. Fights with superstars are down the line for me," said Viloria.