Viloria expects title crack soon

LOS ANGELES – Former WBC lightflyweight champion Brian Viloria is looking forward to redemption before the end of the year.

Last month, Viloria knocked out Fred Valdez with a body punch in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and kept in pace with his timetable for another bid to capture a world crown. It was his third straight victory since losing a disputed majority 12-round decision to Edgar Sosa for the WBC 108-pound diadem in San Antonio, Texas, last year.

Viloria’s manager Gary Gittelsohn told The Star the fighter is clearly back on track. The convincing disposal of Valdez signalled Viloria’s reemergence as a quality contender.

“It was a great knockout win and even more impressive was the way Brian measured Valdez,” said Gittelsohn. “Early in the fight, Brian hit Valdez with several well-timed head shots and realized that Valdez had a solid chin. So, Brian mixed things up a bit and went to the body. To me, it showed Brian’s intelligence in the ring. He made it an easy night instead of a hard one.”

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Gittelsohn said nobody has ever doubted Viloria’s power, not even his harshest critics. “But boxing is a science and it requires honing of the power delivery system,” he continued. “Even a casual fan understands that styles make fights and not every fight can end in a knockout. Boxers have to prepare for all kinds of styles and learn to ply their skills effectively for each different look.”

Gittelsohn said Viloria plans to visit the Philippines after his next fight, preparatory to his title challenge either at 108 or 112 pounds.

“I can say without hesitation that nothing is more important or motivating than the support Brian gets from his fans in the Philippines,” said Gittelsohn. “Brian is committed to making them proud and proving once again, that he is deserving of their loyalty. Brian never forgets his roots and always enters the ring wearing the flags of the Philippines and the US, a salute to his personal background. Often, as was the case in Mexico, it takes real bravery to wear your colors but Brian wears them proudly nonetheless.”

Viloria’s confidence got a boost with the knockout over Valdez. 

“He was totally pumped and ready for me to set another fight date immediately,” continued Gittelsohn. “Brian fought in Mexico in front of 18,000 plus. At first, the atmosphere was hostile because of nationalistic sentiments. But Brian took the crowd out of the equation with his dominant performance and after the fight, he was roundly cheered. That’s a great thing about Mexican fight fans – they appreciate good performances and show respect to performers who give their all. Unequivocally, Brian is showing the kind of determination and improvement that we had hoped for and that it won’t surprise me in the slightest to see another world championship belt strapped around his waist before December.”

Gittelsohn said Viloria’s team of Robert Garcia, Ruben Gomez, Paco Navarro and himself will confer with the fighter shortly on whether to stay at lightflyweight or move up to flyweight.

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“Brian had difficulty making the weight in the Sosa fight,” said Gittelsohn. “It could have been a case of trying to drop too much weight in too little time. If he can still make 108, we’ll seek a world title opportunity there. If not, it will be at 112.”

Viloria’s progress is evident, said Gittelsohn, as he has gone 19 solid rounds in his last three bouts. 

“In my experience, activity is the best tonic for a boxer,” said Gittelsohn. “Sparring is good but nothing substitutes for in-ring experience. Every professional round a fighter has is like putting money in a good stock. Eventually, it pays dividends. Brian has been working hard, plying his craft without fanfare, returning to basics in order to capture another world title.”

Viloria’s Fil-Am girlfriend Erica is his inspiration but what fires him up is the hunger to prove himself to his Filipino fans.

“Let’s not forget Brian won a world title after only 18 fights and he was still developing as a fighter,” said Gittelsohn. “After winning the title, Brian learned the age-old boxing axiom – keeping a title is more difficult than acquiring it. In a brief period of time, Brian experienced the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat and the overall experience has strengthened his character. Lesser people would have folded their tents but Brian went back to basics with his training camp in Oxnard, in Spartan surroundings, where he eats, drinks and sleeps boxing. Brian understood that he had to take a step back in order to take many steps forward. Brian is focused, dedicated and inspired to excel.”

Viloria, 27, has compiled a 22-2 record, with 13 KOs, since turning pro in 2001. His only losses were decisions to Omar Niño Romero and Sosa. Before halting Valdez, Viloria decisioned Jose Garcia Bernal in Los Angeles and Cesar Lopez in Las Vegas.