Viloria fights for Filipino pride

World Boxing Council (WBC) lightflyweight champion Brian Viloria of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, and Waipahu, Hawaii, vowed yesterday to make the Philippines proud when he stakes his crown against Mexican challenger Omar Nino Romero at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 10.

It will be Viloria’s second defense of the 108-pound title he wrested from Eric Ortiz on a first round knockout in Los Angeles last year. He outpointed Jose Antonio Aguirre in his first defense in Las Vegas last February.

In a personal message to his Filipino fans, Viloria said: "I want to thank all my brothers and sisters in the Philippines for your support and inspiration. I go into battle each fight with the mission to make you proud. I will never let you down in the ring and you can always be sure that my corner will wave the Philippine colors with pride.

"After I defend my world title, I plan to visit the Philippines and spend time with family, friends and fans. I love you all and can’t wait to return to your warm welcome. Maraming salamat!"

Viloria’s manager Gary Gittelsohn said the "Hawaiian Punch" is ready to rumble and his right hand, injured during the Aguirre bout, is back to normal.

"The hand is fine," said Gittelsohn in an e-mail from Los Angeles where Viloria trains. "Dr. David Kulber immobilized the hand in a cast for a month then prescribed a period of rehabilitative therapy. Brian’s hand was tested well in training camp and in sparring, he is pain-free and ready to resume full contact."

Dr. Kulber is a Beverly Hills reconstructive hand surgeon who works out of Cedar Sinai Hospital. He also treated Viloria’s right hand when it was injured in his pro debut against Filipino Ben Escobia in 2001.

Viloria was unable to use the hand for four months. Gittelsohn said the injury didn’t prevent Viloria from staying in shape and working out in the gym – without the use of the hand.

"Only during the last seven weeks has he gradually used the hand in full contact drills," noted Gittelsohn.

Viloria has sparred at least 30 rounds a week since June with numerous fighters, including flyweights Giovanni Segura of Mexico and Dimitri Kirilov of Russia. Segura, 24, boasts a 14-0 record, with 11 KOs, while Kirilov, 27, has a mark of 28-3, with nine KOs.

Two weeks ago, Viloria tipped the scales at 116 pounds. He weighed in at 111 yesterday. "He’s exactly where we want him to be 10 days from the fight," said Gittelsohn who expects Viloria to easily make the 108-pound limit at the weigh-in on the eve of the match.

Gittelsohn said Viloria’s only focus is Romero, nobody else.

"We are not prepared to make any announcements beyond the defense against Romero," continued Gittelsohn. "However, we are aware of Brian’s mandatory obligations and Brian looks forward to satisfying them. Brian also looks forward to bigger and better challenges and we see many of them in his future."

Romero, 30, has a record of 23-2-1, with 10 KOs. His claim to fame is stopping highly touted flyweight and former world champion Jorge Arce in the first round in 1996.

Viloria’s record is 19-0, with 12 KOs.

Viloria said he has put off plans on cutting his first CD while preparing for Romero. The CD will feature Viloria singing rap music.

"I will be able to revisit my other interests after I take care of business on the 10th," said Viloria.

Last month, Wandee Singwangcha of Thailand scored a unanimous 12-round decision over Filipino Juanito Rubillar to clinch a mandatory shot at Viloria’s title. The win raised Wandee’s record to 49-7-1, with 10 KOs.

Rubillar claimed he was robbed of victory but the three judges disagreed. Brad Vocale of Australia scored it 117-111 for Wandee. Japanese Takeaki Kanaya and Korean Jae Bong Kim had it 117-113 both for the Thai.