Viloria, Calderon eye unification title fight
09/14/2009 | 05:39 PM
It appears a Brian Viloria-Ivan Calderon unification title fight is in the offing.
Shortly after retaining his World Boxing Organization (WBO) light-flyweight title with a split technical decision over Filipino Rodel Mayol, the 34-year-old Calderon has called out on IBF titlist Viloria for a possible slambang, end-of-the-year showdown.
“It’s no secret that the biggest fight for me is with Brian Viloria," the unbeaten Calderon said moments after another controversial finish marred his rematch with Mayol.
“He and I have a history going back to our amateurs when we fought multiple times and are both currently world champions," added the Puerto Rican champ.
Hawaii-based Fil-Am Viloria himself has been vocal about his desire to meet the "Iron Boy" in a title fight.
“A fight with Ivan Calderon would be a good way to end this memorable year," Viloria said recently after his successful defense of the IBF belt.
As far as he can remember, Viloria said he and Calderon split their four fights as amateurs.
Both also saw action in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, similarly failing to reach the medal round of the light flyweight class. Calderon could not get past the opening round while Viloria was ambushed in the second round.
The 28-year-old Viloria is coming off a 12-round unanimous decision over Mexican Jesus Iribe in Hawaii two weeks ago to retain the strap he won over long-time champion Ulises Solis in April at the Araneta Coliseum.
Last Sunday, Calderon edged out Mayol in their return bout in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The fight was stopped in the seventh round after the champion suffered a deep cut in the forehead caused by an unintentional headbutt. Calderon led in two of the judges’ scorecards, 68-65, while the other one had the Filipino ahead by the same score.
Calderon’s first meeting with Mayol last June also ended up in a technical draw after six rounds when the champion was similarly cut following a clash of the head.
With one Filipino out of the way, the Puerto Rican is now looking forward to going up against a world champion with Filipino heritage.
“I want to make it clear that I have no problem traveling outside of Puerto Rico to make the (Viloria) fight happen," said Calderon. - GMANews.TV
Shortly after retaining his World Boxing Organization (WBO) light-flyweight title with a split technical decision over Filipino Rodel Mayol, the 34-year-old Calderon has called out on IBF titlist Viloria for a possible slambang, end-of-the-year showdown.
“It’s no secret that the biggest fight for me is with Brian Viloria," the unbeaten Calderon said moments after another controversial finish marred his rematch with Mayol.
“He and I have a history going back to our amateurs when we fought multiple times and are both currently world champions," added the Puerto Rican champ.
Fil-Am IBF light flyweight champion Brian Viloria seeks a unification title fight with unbeaten WBO titlist Ivan Calderon of Puerto Rico. Top Rank photo
“A fight with Ivan Calderon would be a good way to end this memorable year," Viloria said recently after his successful defense of the IBF belt.
As far as he can remember, Viloria said he and Calderon split their four fights as amateurs.
Both also saw action in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, similarly failing to reach the medal round of the light flyweight class. Calderon could not get past the opening round while Viloria was ambushed in the second round.
The 28-year-old Viloria is coming off a 12-round unanimous decision over Mexican Jesus Iribe in Hawaii two weeks ago to retain the strap he won over long-time champion Ulises Solis in April at the Araneta Coliseum.
Last Sunday, Calderon edged out Mayol in their return bout in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The fight was stopped in the seventh round after the champion suffered a deep cut in the forehead caused by an unintentional headbutt. Calderon led in two of the judges’ scorecards, 68-65, while the other one had the Filipino ahead by the same score.
Calderon’s first meeting with Mayol last June also ended up in a technical draw after six rounds when the champion was similarly cut following a clash of the head.
With one Filipino out of the way, the Puerto Rican is now looking forward to going up against a world champion with Filipino heritage.
“I want to make it clear that I have no problem traveling outside of Puerto Rico to make the (Viloria) fight happen," said Calderon. - GMANews.TV
