Hawaiian Punch halts Thai in 7th foe in seventh round

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines’ Brian “The Hawaiian Punch” Viloria and Denver Cuello hammered their respective Thai foes in SOLARtv and Solar Sports’ Boxing at the Bay: Friday Fight Fest at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig Friday night.

Viloria measured up Thai Liempetch Sor Veerapol in the early rounds before imposing his will in carving out a masterful seventh-round knockout win.

Cuello, who knocked out Indonesian Mohhamad Rachman in the ninth round of their 10-round bout in Iligan City a month ago, was more impressive in stopping Kongkrai Kiatpracha in 3.08 minutes.

Viloria, set to walk down the aisle with long-time girlfriend Erica Navarro in Hawaii next month, improved to 28 victories, including 15 by knockout, against three losses while Cuello nailed his 25th triumph (15 KOs) against four setbacks and six draws.

“I feel pretty good because my body shots and the new combinations I’m trying worked out for me tonight,” said Viloria during the post fight press conference of his first bout since climbing up from light flyweight to flyweight.

“This win could be a very big step towards another championship,” he added.

And Viloria, the No. 1 contender in the World Boxing Organization ranking, may end up with the fight he wants – against reigning titlist Mexican Jesus Cesar Miranda.

“We’re hoping to get a fight against Jesus Miranda, perhaps late February or early March,” said Viloria’s American manager and agent Gary Gittleson.

The loss dropped Veerapol’s record to 19-8-1. It was his third consecutive loss in the Philippines after dropping his first two matches to former world champion Marvin Sonsona and Johnriel Casimiro.

Kiatpracha, on the other hand, fell to 17-12-0.

Cuello, for his part, said he would accept the Nov. 27 title fight against Mexican Giovanni Segura in a unification fight of the WBO and World Boxing Council light flyweight crown.

“I will accept it. It’s a go for me,” said Cuello after emerging from his quick fight.

Dressed in glittering, gold-lined green silk trunks, Viloria sized up Veerapol in the early rounds with solid lefts and uppercuts. At first the Fil-Am, Hawaiian-based pug targeted the Thai’s head then shifted to the body.

Desperate, Veerapol wrestled down Viloria twice, drawing a warning from referee Ferdinand Estrella.

Viloria was undaunted, retaliating with numbing body shots that left his opponent gasping for air.

Viloria went for the kill in the seventh round as he unleashed a flurry that sent Veerapol twice to the canvas.

“He (Viloria) was quicker and really stronger,” said Veerapol through an interpreter.

Former WBC lightflyweight champion Rodel Mayol likewise served notice with a seventh round knockout of yet another Thai bet Pompetch Twins Gym to improve to 27-5-2.

Al Sabapuan defeated Arnel Dunal via a unanimous decision. Marlon Tapales, Mark Anthony Geraldo and Edward Penerio also won their matches via decisions.