Viloria to face nemesis at Astro

<

MANILA, Philippines - IBF lightflyweight champion Brian Viloria is set to stake his crown against Omar (Niño) Romero of Mexico in their third grudge match at the Cuneta Astrodome on Dec. 5 and the Hawaiian Punch plans to end all doubts as to who is the better man.

There’s no love lost between the fighters. In August 2006, Viloria lost the WBC 108-pound title in his second defense to Romero on a unanimous 12-round decision.

Viloria, who won the championship by knocking out Eric Ortiz in one round the year before, was far from his top form as Romero won convincingly on the judges’ scores of 118-110 (Adalaide Byrd), 117-111, (Chuck Giampa) and 117-112 (Mark Green).

Three months later, Romero retained the title on a majority draw but was later stripped of the crown after testing positive for illegal drugs. Viloria went on to fight for the vacant throne but was outpointed by Mexican Edgar Sosa via a majority decision.

Now, Viloria is back in the saddle and Romero is once more the challenger in his second defense. But this time, Viloria is making sure there will be no déjà vu.

He’s determined to knock out Romero who’s coming off three straight wins over Francisco Soto, Sammy Gutierrez and Filipino Juanito Rubillar.

Viloria, 28, flew to Manila for a vacation after turning back Jesus Iribe in his first IBF title defense in Honolulu last August. It was in Manila where he halted Ulises Solis for the IBF crown and Viloria wants to treat the hometown fans with another victory – at Romero’s expense.

But if there’s anyone who has the ability to frustrate Viloria, it’s Romero. The crafty Mexican is a smooth operator, difficult to hit and quick on the draw.

He has a 28-3-1 record, with 11 KOs, and holds wins over Sosa and former champion Jorge Arce. His only losses were to Juan Alberto Rosas, Gilbert Keb Baas and Rubillar.

Romero, 33, is in the twilight of a long career that started in1995. He’s looking for redemption after being embarrassed by the drug scandal and this will likely be his last chance to recapture a world title. For the Mexican veteran, it’s do or die and that’s why he’s a dangerous opponent for Viloria.

Romero started off his career with 14 straight wins and although not known as a knockout artist, he halted Arce in a single round in 1996.

In the undercard, WBO minimumweight champion Donnie Nietes will put his crown on the line against either Ivan (Polito) Meneses of Mexico or Omar (El Pastor) Soto of Puerto Rico. It will be Nietes’ fourth defense of the vacant title he claimed after whipping Thailand ‘s Pornsawan Porpramook in 2007.

He has so far repulsed challengers Eddy Castro, Erik Ramirez and Manuel Vargas.

ALA Boxing Gym owner Tony Aldeguer told The Star yesterday that Solar Sports is looking for a Mexican opponent and Meneses looms as the top candidate. Meneses has a 14-5-1 record, with eight KOs, and is ranked No. 8 by the WBC, No. 11 by the WBA and No. 11 by the WBO. Soto, 27, is the No. 5 WBC contender and last month, was stopped by Sosa in a bid for the WBC crown.

“Solar prefers a Mexican so we are scouting for one or we may get another Omar Soto who is Mexican but I think he has gone up in weight,” said Aldeguer. “Meneses as an opponent is not sure. We hope to finalize the match this week.”

Nietes is unbeaten in his last 16 outings and has a 25-1-3 record,with 14 KOs . His only loss was a split 10-round decision to Angky Angkota in Jakarta in 2004.

For sure, when Nietes shows up to fight at the Astrodome, he’ll enter the ring with his pet snake curled over his shoulders. Nietes is known as “Ahas.”

In another world title fight, Solar is bringing in newly crowned International Boxing Association superbantamweight champion Ana (The Hurricane) Julaton to defend her crown against a still unnamed challenger.

Julaton, 29, is a full-blooded Filipina born and raised in the US. She won the vacant IBA title on a 10-round majority decision over Kelsey Jeffries in San Jose last September.

The scores were 98-92, 96-94 and 95-95. Julaton’s record is 5-1-1, with one knockout. Last year, she blasted Salina Jordan into submission in a single round. Her only loss was a split eight-round decision to Dominga Olivo in Lemoore , California , for the vacant WBC International 122-pound title.

Viloria retains IBF lightflyweight title

MANILA, Philippines - Brian Viloria came prepared to go the distance against his challenger from Mexico and the Filipino boxer also known as the “Hawaiian Punch” went on to keep his International Boxing Federation light-flyweight crown yesterday.

Viloria took early control of the match set for 12 rounds, but gave up a couple of rounds to the late-charging Jesus Iribe who in the early going fought like all he wanted was to be in the ring with the reigning 108-lb champ.

In the final round, however, it seemed that Iribe had Viloria in trouble, catching the 2000 Olympics silver medalist with a few good shots that had the crowd going and cheering wildly at the Blaisdell Center Arena in Hawaii.

Viloria did hang on, landing some good ones as he stayed out of trouble. Both fighters were trading blows when the final bell sounded. Immediately, they embraced each other on the center of the ring amid cheers.

All three judges had Viloria winning, 118-110, 117-112, 117-111. As the referee raised his hands in victory, Iribe was gracious in defeat, clapping his hands. Raised on the shoulders of his trainer, Viloria did the Hawaiian dance.

“We all fought our hearts out tonight. I hope you guys enjoyed that,” Viloria, now with 26-2 record with 15 knockouts, said later on. Iribe said he came to win but didn’t have enough power behind his fists, and dropped to 15-6-5.

It was the first defense of the title, which Viloria won over another tough Mexican, Ulises Solis, last April 19 at the Araneta Coliseum. He chose to take the fight to Hawaii, where he was born on Nov. 24, 1980 and rose to become a champion.

It was the first world title fight in Hawaii since 1976, and those who came to see the fight, mostly for Viloria, got what they wanted. For Viloria, it was also his first fight in Hawaii since he defeated Valentin Leon in 2003.

Viloria won the WBC light-flyweight crown in September of 2005 when he knocked out Eric Ortiz at the Staples Center, fighting as an undercard in the Manny Pacquiao-Hector Velasquez match.

But that reign proved short-lived as Viloria lost to Omar Niño Romero the year after. Romero was stripped of the crown after failing a drug test, and Viloria faced Edgar Sosa for the vacant crown, and again lost via decision.

Except for Viloria and his manager Gary Gittelsohn, many thought it was all over for the “Hawaiian Punch” who had to fight his next fight in places which he described as “places where people don’t even want to go.” He fought once in a swap meet in Los Angeles.

But Viloria posted a string of victories, leading to the fight with Solis. He did not waste the opportunity, getting too emotional after posting an 11th round knockout, and saying this time, he wants his reign as champion to last longer.

The victory over Iribe was proof that Viloria is there to stay. Now he wants a rematch with Sosa, and he might just get it as soon as possible. Two other fighters being considered as his next foe are Ivan Calderon and Japan’s Koki Kameda.

Viloria has not won seven fights in a row, and his next, he added, could be his last at 108 lb.

Two other Filipinos, AJ Banal and Dennie Laurente, hurdled their respective opponents in the card billed as “Island Assault.”

Banal survived a point deduction for a low blow in the ninth round, and three falls due to shoving to unanimously beat Mexico’s Jose Beranza in their 10-round flyweight contest.

It was bloody affair and both fighters wore cuts over their eyes by the time the fight ended. Banal, whose rise to face was momentarily halted by a bitter loss to Rafael Concepcion last year, improved to 20-1-1.

Laurente, also scored a unanimous decision over Mexico’s Zaid Zavalete in their light-welterweight bout. There were no knockdowns and the Filipino, after 10 rounds, raised his ring record to 32-3-5.

Watch Brian Viloria vs Jesus Iribe Replay

Viloria retains IBF lightflyweight title

HONOLULU (AP) — Brian Viloria earned a 12-round, unanimous decision over Jesus Iribe to retain the IBF light flyweight championship on Saturday night.

The Hawaiian Punch (26-2) controlled the fast-paced bout in front of his hometown crowd, starting and ending with a flurry of punches. The bigger Iribe broke his right hand in the second round but still slugged it out the entire fight.

The scorecards were 118-110, 117-112, 117-111 in favor of 108-pound Viloria.

With the win, Viloria's handlers are seeking a fight against WBO light flyweight champion Ivan Calderon.

Mexican Blue, Hawaiian Punch today

By Edri K. Aznar

INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight champion Brian “Hawaiian” Viloria is set to defend his title against Mexican warrior Jesus “Azul” Iribe today in his turf at the Blaisdell Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.

After winning the IBF crown by knocking out long-time champion Ulises Solis in the 11th round of their world title tussle at the Araneta Coliseum last April, the 28-year-old Viloria will defend his title for the first time.

Following his loss to Edgar Sosa in 2007 for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight title, Viloria has been on a romp and won his last six outings while Iribe is on a two-fight winning run.

Records

The two-time world champion has a respectable record of 25 victories and two losses with 15 knockouts, while Iribe holds a professional boxing slate of 15 wins, five defeats and five draws with nine knockouts.

In yesterday’s weigh-in, both fighters hit the target of the light flyweight limit as Viloria tipped the scales at 107.5 lbs. while Iribe was heavier at 108 lbs.

Two other Filipino warriors will be seeing action in the boxing extravaganza dubbed as “Island Assault.”

Cards

ALA star AJ “Bazooka” Banal (19-1-1, 16 KO’s) is slated to trade leathers with Mexican veteran journeyman Jose Angel “Pepe” Beranza (35-15-2, 25 KO’s), while Filpino fighter Dennis Laurente (31-3-5, 16 KO’s) faces Mexican combatant Zaid “El Exterminator” Zavaleta (18-5-2, 11 KO’s).

Although Beranza and Zavaleta have unimpressive records they aren’t pushovers as they have fought some respectable fighters in their careers.

Beranza has fought the likes of Nestor Rocha, former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez and defeated ex-world titleholder Iva Hernandez, while Zavaleta has fought Venezuelan knockout artist and WBC lightweight king Edwin Valero.

The boxing showdown will be beamed live via Dream Satellite at 10:30 a.m. while the delayed telecast will be shown at 3 p.m. on GMA-7 and Solar Sports.



Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 30, 2009.

Brian Viloria vs Jesus Iribe Fight

"Island Assault" The Brian Villoria vs. Jesus Iribe fight @ Yahoo! Video

Watch Viloria vs Iribe Boxing Fight Live

Featured in this boxing main event is current IBF light flyweight champion Brian "Hawaiian Punch" Viloria who will defend his title for the first time against Mexican Jesus “Azul” Iribe this August 29, 2009 Saturday 10PM ET at the Neal Blaisdell Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. This fight is dubbed as “Island Assault: Viloria vs. Iribe.”

Viloria is coming off a from spectacular 11th round knockout win over hard-hitting Ulises Solis to grab the title last April 19 at the Araneta Coliseum. Viloria promised to defend his title much longer than the first championship title he won in 2005. Although, he did not promise a knock out in this fight but he vowed to slug it out and be ready for 12 rounds of action.

On the other hand, Iribe comes in with style that is perfect against a counter puncher like Viloria. Iribe's last fight last June 19, he scored an 8th round TKO over Angel Rezago to retain his FECOMBOX title. Iribe's last loss was a twelve round unanimous decision to tough Mexican WBC light flyweight champion Edgar Sosa who has beaten Filipinos Juanito Rubillar, Sonny Boy Jaro and Viloria himself.

The undercards for this boxing fight will feature several Filipino boxers, including AJ "Bazooka" Banal who will face Jose Angel Beranza in a matchup of top bantamweight contenders, Dennis Laurente facing Zaid Zavaleta and Alfonso Gomez going up against Sergio Rios.

Tale of the tape: Brian Viloria has a record of 25 wins (15KOs) , lost 2, drawn 0 while Jesus Iribe has 15 wins (9KOs), lost 5, drawn 5.

So, don’t forget to watch Viloria vs Iribe live video streaming. There are other choices and options on how to watch Viloria vs Iribe fight Live Online for free, just search at Sopcast or Justin TV. Come and let’s watch Viloria vs Iribe live fight this August 29th Saturday Visit this post regularly for updates.

Viloria fight on PPV

By Edri K. Aznar

THE “Island Assault” boxing extravaganza that features the first world title defense of International Boxing Federation light flyweight title holder Brian Viloria against hard-hitting Jesus Iribe in Blaisdell Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii will be shown on Philippine television on Sunday.

The fight will be shown live via pay-per-view on Dream Satellite, while the delayed telecast will be aired on GMA-7 and Solar Sports.

Post your prayers and condolences for Cory Aquino's family

The 28-year-old Viloria is set to defend his title in his own turf against a tough Iribe. He won his title from Ulises Solis last April in the blockbuster “Pinoy Power” fight card at the Araneta Coliseum.

Viloria holds a record of 25 wins and two defeats with 15 knockouts, while Iribe has 15 victories, five losses and five draws with nine knockouts.

There will be two other Filipinos seeing action in the fight card—ALA Gym star AJ Banal and the heavy-handed Dennis Laurente (31-3-5, 16 KO’s).

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 29, 2009.

Viloria plans to wear down Mexican challenger

MANILA – Dead serious about retaining his title, IBF junior flyweight champion Brian Viloria said he plans to wear down Mexican challenger Jesus Iribe when they meet up for their “Island Assault” showdown this Saturday (Sunday in the Philippines).

Viloria told Ricardo Conde of Hotboxing news.com that Iribe likes to fight from a distance. “I don't think he likes to tangle it up in the middle,” he said.

To get to Iribe, Viloria said he will have to apply extra pressure to wear out the Mexican challenger.

“I'm just going to have to put a lot of pressure on him and put my combinations together and I should be able to break him down that way,” he said.

Viloria had just won the IBF title by knocking out Ulises Solis on April 19, 2009. The Filipino-American said he does not plan to lose the belt anytime soon.

Iribe, meanwhile, is also determined to snatch the belt from Viloria.

In a report by PhilBoxing.com’s Dong Secuya, the Mexican said it will be all business when he steps inside the ring.

"We respect the champion but we are going home with the title," Iribe said through his manager Alejandro Brito.

The Viloria-Iribe match up is slated to take place at the Blaisdell Arena in Hawaii.

Included in the under card matches are Viloria's fellow Filipinos AJ "Bazooka" Banal and Dennis Laurente, both of whom will face Mexican foes.

The come-backing Banal is set to face Jose Angel Beranza while Laurente will square it off with Zaid Zalaveta.

Viloria in 5

By Edri K. Aznar

NEWLY-crowned interim World Boxing Association super flyweight titleholder Nonito Donaire Jr. is confident it will only take five rounds for his fellow Filipino world champion Brian Viloria to dispose Mexican of challenger Jesus Iribe and retain his International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight crown on Aug. 29 in Hawaii.

“I’m confident that Brian will win by knockout. Viloria’s very strong in the early rounds so I’m looking maybe within the fifth round,” said Donaire in a report posted at GMANews.tv.

The 27-year-old Donaire, who recently won the interim WBA title after a unanimous decision victory over Rafael Concepcion in Las Vegas, believes that Viloria is one of the best light flyweights and that he has what it takes to defeat anyone.

“I think he (Viloria) will do a good job. Viloria is strong and I feel that he’s motivated. And when he’s motivated, he’ll defeat everybody in his weight,” he said.

Donaire added that Viloria has the advantage in his title defense this Sunday (RP time) because he is fighting in his own turf with the support of his fans.

“The home crowd, definitely, is to his advantage. His family will be there, friends and the Filipinos, almost everybody is there already,” said Donaire.

Donaire and Viloria fought in the first “Filipino Power” boxing extravaganza, held last April at the Araneta Coliseum.

Both fighters won, with Donaire beating erstwhile undefeated Raul Martinez via a fourth round technical knockout to retain his IBF flyweight title, while Viloria captured the IBF crown after stopping long-time reigning champion Ulises Solis in the 11th round.


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 27, 2009.

Viloria wants foe's hide for 'storybook ending'

MANILA, Philippines - International Boxing Federation (IBF) light-flyweight champion Brian Viloria hopes to write a new chapter on his so-called “story book ending” when he takes on Mexican Jesus Iribe in a 12-round title fight Aug. 30 at the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The title defense, dubbed “Island Assault” and promoted by Solar Sports, will be the first for the fighter called “The Hawaiian Punch” since wresting the IBF belt from Ulises Solis with an 11th round technical knockout that heralded Viloria’s return to the pantheon of champions last April.

Viloria called that emphatic win, fashioned out before a big weekend crowd at the Araneta Coliseum, “my story book ending.”

“It was a long year. We fought five fights in places where people usually go to shop, not to watch boxing,” Viloria recalled of the days when he struggled to make it back to the top after almost quitting from the sport following a string of losses he suffered in his career.

“That’s why I want to thank my team who worked hard and believed in me,” he said.

Team means manager Gary Gittelson and trainer Roberto Garcia.

Viloria is especially grateful to Garcia, who he said really pushed him hard to get back on top.

Recalling the start of training camp during the Solis fight, Viloria said, “Robert would holler `... and the new IBF light-flyweight champion of the world... ’ every time we’re training at the gym.”

“That goes to show the kind of trust he had in me as a fighter.”

Garcia, of course, knows a great fighter when he sees one. He was after all, a former world champion himself.

The 34-year old trainer once reigned as IBF super-featherweight champion after a decision over Harold Warren in 1998.

After defending his title twice, he lost to then rising boxing superstar Diego Corrales via a brutal technical KO.

Garcia later earned another shot at a championship, but fell short in his bid as he suffered a TKO setback to WBA super-featherweight champion Joel Casamayor.