07.08.06 – Marlon Bernardino – THE 12 rounds of hard labor on his first title defense inspired Brian “{Hawaiian Pinoy Punch” Viloria to burn himself more in the gym before a fight. “It’s important to build up my stamina. I always expect the fight to go the distance now,” said Viloria, who will defend his World Boxing Council light flyweight belt against Omar Nino Romero of Mexico on Thursday (Friday in Manila) at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada..
Viloria (19-0, 12KOs) wrapped up his training camp at the famous Wild Card gym in Hollywood last Saturday, tipping the scale at 110 pounds, just two above the limit. His team, including trainer Freddie Roach, manager Gary Gittelsohn and father Ben, left for Las Vegas Monday.
“Anything can happen when you’re in the ring. But I’m prepared to whatever the fight will offer to me,” said Viloria.
He needed his ring savvy when he decisioned another Mexican Jose Antonio Aguirre on his first defense of the title.
The Hawaii-born fighter of Filipino roots fractured his right hand early in the bout, but his quickness and sound defensive skills frustrated his opponent and earned him the nod of the judges.
“I can be a slugger and I can be a boxer depending on the situation,” said Viloria.
With his powerful right hand completely healed, the slugger in him may surface early against Romero. “I feel good and the training camp has been perfect.
My hand is completely healed and I am ready for him (Romero).”
But like what Viloria had said, anything can happen inside the ring.
Romero (23-2-1, 10KOs) wants to make a good first impression in the United States. One of his knockout victories came at the expense of currrent WBC flyweight champion Jorge Arce, a future Viloria foe.
The Viloria-Romero title bout and the under cards will be shown on wide screen at the Robinson’s Galleria Fountain Area and at Tastebuds in Robinson’s Place Manila starting 10 a.m.
Solar Sports, home of Filipino boxing champions, will telecast the fights also starting 10 a.m. with replays at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. the following day.