Viloria seeks Estrada rematch

MANILA, Philippines - Fresh from posting his third win in a row since losing the WBA/WBO flyweight titles to Juan Francisco Estrada last year, Brian Viloria said yesterday he’s gearing for a rematch with the Mexican champion and the Hawaiian Punch can’t wait to get back on the throne.

Viloria, 34, stopped Armando Vazquez with a vicious left hook to the liver at 1:37 of the fourth round in Glendale last Dec. 6 to raise his record to 35-4, with 21 KOs.  It was his third straight win since bowing to Estrada on a split decision in Macau in April last year.  Viloria bounced back from the loss to outpoint Juan Herrera in Las Vegas, halt Jose Alfredo Zuniga in five in Macau and blast Vazquez into submission.

A cut on Viloria’s left eyebrow in the second round due to an accidental headbutt appeared to pump him up against Vazquez.  He was merciless in mowing down the Mexican.  The cut took seven stitches to sew up.  

“I felt great against Vazquez,” Viloria told The Star from his Los Angeles home.  “I felt like I did what I had to do in order for me to get the victory.  My opponent was a bit tricky but I figured him out eventually.  I didn’t realize I was cut until the referee (Jack Reiss) stopped the action and took a look at it.  I didn’t think the headbutt was that bad and just continued with the gameplan after.”

Viloria said he’s open to fight any of the world flyweight champions out there – Estrada or the IBF’s Amnat Ruenroeng of Thailand or the WBC’s Roman (Chocolatito) Gonzalez of Nicaragua. Ruenroeng, however, is booked to stake his crown against China’s unbeaten Zou Shiming in Macau on March 7. “I’m hoping for a rematch with Estrada,” said Viloria. “It’s a fight I’ve been wanting.”  Since dethroning Viloria, Estrada has won four consecutive bouts, three against Filipinos.  He decisioned Milan Melindo in his first defense, stopped another Filipino Richie Mepranum in his second, halted Giovani Segura in his third then on the night Viloria trounced Vazquez, outpointed Filipino Joebert Alvarez in a non-title match. Estrada’s record is 31-2, with 22 KOs.

Viloria said if Zou beats Amnat, he’ll step in to challenge the two-time Olympic gold medalist if that’s what’s on the table.  “It’s another fight I want in the near future,” he said.  “I don’t think it would be a big problem even as both of us train at Wild Card.  We’ll just spar and get each other ready to fight each other.  In all seriousness, boxing is business first.  I remember fighting another friend and sparring partner in Segura which turned out to be an amazing fight.”  Viloria stopped Segura in a classic brawl at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig in December 2011.

If Viloria and Zou ever square off, trainer Freddie Roach will be forced to take sides.  Roach has mentored Zou since he turned pro last year and also works Viloria’s corner.  Roach and his Filipino assistant Marvin Somodio were with Viloria when he stopped Vazquez.  “Freddie was in my corner for my last couple of fights,” said Viloria.  “I’m hoping he will continue this great run with me into capturing another world title.  Marvin is and will be a great trainer.  He really reminds me of a young Freddie in terms of getting the instructions to you fast, controlled and on the point.  His best attributes are how quickly he retains information when given and his quiet confidence in transferring that knowledge to you.”

Zou, 33, and Amnat, 34, are both undefeated. The Chinese is 6-0, with 1 KO while the Thai is 14-0, with 5 KOs.  Amnat claimed the vacant IBF title on a decision over Filipino Rocky Fuentes last July and will make his third defense against Zou.  Last month, Zou outpointed tough Thai Kwanpichit OneSongchaiGym, a Manny Pacquiao dead ringer, in a 12-rounder and finished the bout looking like the loser with a swollen shut left eye and blood spewing out of a forehead cut.  The WBC option is Gonzalez who has a 41-0 record, with 35 KOs.  Gonzalez, 27, retained his title for the first time on a sixth round stoppage over Fuentes in Yokohama last Nov. 22.

Asked if his style has changed in 13 years of pro experience, Viloria said he’s become more of a tactical fighter.  “I definitely find myself picking and choosing the opportune time to engage and when not to engage,” he said.  “I guess that comes with experience and being able to optimize my strengths.  I try not to rely too much on power alone and let things fall where they may.  Like I always say, if the knockout presents itself, I try to take it.  If not, I try to dictate the fight as much as possible.”

As for his New Year’s resolution and goals for 2015, Viloria said he’s determined to keep fighting at the elite level and being a responsible father to son Tyler and husband to wife Erica.  “Being a father is motivating me a great deal,” he said. “Fighting for my family, my wife and my son has given me the strength and will power to continue striving to become the best in my craft.”