Viloria back in explosive form

Former WBC and IBF lightflyweight champion Brian (The Hawaiian Punch) Viloria will revive his “vintage” aggressive style and go for a convincing win over Thai journeyman Liempetch Sor Veerapol in their 10-round bout at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City tonight.

Viloria has never fought a Thai before but his sights are set on Liempetch’s countryman Pongsaklek Wonjongkam who holds the WBC flyweight title. He’s out to deliver a strong message to Pongsaklek that the “old” Viloria is back in business.

After losing his IBF crown to Carlos Tamara on a 12th round stoppage early this year, Viloria settled for a win by a split decision over Mexico’s Omar Soto here last July. He appeared to be psychologically affected by the loss to Tamara and wasn’t his usual explosive self.

To set Viloria back on track, his chief handler Ruben Gomez brought in a new trainer to take over from former WBA supermiddleweight champion Frankie Liles who worked his corner in the Soto bout. Grizzled Mexican warrior Mario Morales was recruited to bring back the fire in Viloria’s belly. He’s the latest in a long line of trainers Gomez has tapped for Viloria, including Freddie Roach, Joe Hernandez, Joe Goosen, Robert Garcia and Liles.

Morales, 45, was a hard-nosed gladiator in his heyday. He battled the likes of Juan Martin Coggi in Argentina and Ghana’s Ike Quartey in France. Morales was never a contender but served as Julio Cesar Chavez’ sparring partner for years. He was in Daniel Ponce de Leon’s corner when the former WBO superbantamweight champion beat Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista on a first round knockout and Gerry Penalosa on points. And Morales was the late Edwin Valero’s trainer in his last three outings.

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“I’ve known Mario for years,” said Gomez who has been in Viloria’s camp since his pro debut in 2001. “I was in Rodolfo Aguilar’s corner and Mario was in Chavez’ corner for a Las Vegas fight in 1988. I took in Mario for Brian’s rematch with Omar Nino Romero so they’ve worked together before but this is only their second fight as a team.”

Morales has been involved in boxing since he was seven. He claimed to have retired at the age of 31 but records show his last fight was in 2005 when he was 40.

Viloria and Romero fought to a majority 12-round draw in 2006 but the outcome was later declared a no-contest when the Mexican tested positive for an illegal drug.

“I want Brian to be more aggressive with his combinations but to fight intelligently,” said Morales. “He’s different from Valero who was very aggressive but had no defense. With Brian, I want him to use his footwork for defense. We worked on his power in the gym and I know he will be devastating against Liempetch.”

Viloria said training camp for Liempetch was “pristine.” He worked out at the Maywood Gym near Los Angeles and sparred about 120 rounds. A sparmate was WBO and WBA lightflyweight titleholder Giovani Segura. Gomez said Viloria has rediscovered his killer’s instinct with Morales. He described it as Viloria’s “renewed spirit.”

Viloria vowed to put on a spectacular show for the fans. “I’ll be all over Liempetch,” he said. “I won’t give him room to breathe. I’ve learned a lot from Mario. I’ve developed more power. I want to bring back the old Brian – aggressive, explosive. I’ve gotten back my confidence. Now, it’s a matter of execution.”

Gomez predicted an early win by knockout. Viloria is eager to get the fight over with quickly as he has another thing in mind to do – he’s got an altar date with long-time girlfriend Erica Navarro in Hawaii on Dec. 3.

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Viloria said moving up to flyweight has been a positive in his campaign to climb back to the top. “I’m comfortable at 112,” he said. “My walking weight used to be around 120 to 125. But I’ve managed to maintain my weight close to 112. That way, I don’t reduce drastically. I watch what I eat and train hard.”

Viloria, who turns 30 on Nov. 24, said he started training for Liempetch last August and there’s been no interruption in his regimen. “I’m ready,” he said. “I could’ve weighed in at 112 two days ago.”

Liempetch, 22, said he is honored by taking on a great former world champion but isn’t awed. The fighter’s manager Michel Do said a win over Viloria will turn his career around. Liempetch, who has scored 12 KOs in 19 wins, prepared for Viloria by sparring with Pongsaklek.

“We’re not looking beyond Liempetch,” said Gomez, dismissing talk of challenging Pongsakek at the moment. “We respect Liempetch and we know we’ve got to take care of business before moving on to plan for another world title shot.”

In the undercard, former WBC lightflyweight champion Rodel Mayol battles Thailand’s Pompetch Twins Gym and WBC International minimumweight ruler Denver Cuello faces another Thai, Kongkrai Kiatpracha.

Solar TV has lined up nine fights scheduled for 80 total rounds in the fifth edition of Boxing At The Bay.