Viloria must hurdle Thai foe to earn title fight

Ruben Gomez, Brian Viloria’s manager, remains confident that his ward can get another crack at a world title if “The Hawaiian Punch" hurdles Thai opponent Liempetch Sor Veerapol on Friday. The former World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight and International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior flyweight champion Viloria faces Veerapol in the fifth installment of the Boxing at the Bay series at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. Though Viloria can easily prepare for another shot at a world crown, Gomez said that their main focus right now is the 22-year-old Veerapol, who had the chance to spar with reigning WBC flyweight champion and compatriot Pongsaklek Wonjongkam. “We are confident that Brian can get into shape for another title shot, but right now what we’re focusing on is Veerapol. He is our first objective and if Brian can get past him, we’ll see what happens next," said Gomez during Tuesday’s press conference at Gerry’s Grill Morato. A win by Viloria (27-3-0 with 15 knockouts) against Veerapo in their 10-round non-title bout will make the Filipino-American fighter the No. 1 challenger for Wonjongkam’s WBC flyweight strap or the World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight crown of Mexican champion Julio Cesar Miranda. And with Mexican trainer Mario Morales — the man behind the 27-0 record of the late Venezuelan knockout artist Edwin Valero — whipping Viloria into shape, Gomez believes Filipino boxing fans can see “The Hawaiian Punch"’s old form. “Mario and I go way back. We just incorporated him as the lead trainer. The end result renewed Brian’s spirit and changed his attitude. Brian has put everything in this training camp, and with Mario’s help we hope to see the old Brian back," said Gomez, who thanked all Filipino fans who had supported Viloria all these years. Viloria, who sparred for 120 rounds with World Boxing Association (WBA) light flyweight champion Giovani Segura, said he is eager to show the skills that he learned from Morales. “There was no relaxing when I trained with Mario. Training under him helped me get back in shape and build my confidence as a fighter. I’m looking forward to Friday to see if the types of tools that I’ve learned are okay." .

“I hope the fight can be held now. I’m really determined to prove myself. I’m eager to show what I've trained for," added Viloria, who will marry fiancée Erika Navarro on December 3. He said that he is more confident fighting as a flyweight since it is not hard to lose weight. “I have been eating right. All it takes is discipline. So expect a great fight on Friday." Veerapol (19-7-1 with 12 KOs) is no stranger to Filipinos. He defeated Kid Payes and Michael Rodriguez but lost to Johnriel Casimero and former World Boxing Organization super flyweight champion Marvin Sonsona. “We thank everyone for the hospitality and treating us good. We see this fight as a great chance for Liempetch to fight a great former champion like Brian," said Veerpol’s manager Michel Do. “We have a 50 percent chance of winning even if he is up against a famous fighter and a former world champion boxer," said Do, who added that the Thai challenger runs for 15 kilometers every day while training for the fight. Undercards Also featured in the 10-round undercard matches are WBC international minimumweight title holder Denver Cuello against Kongkria Kiatpracha and former WBC light flyweight champion Rodel Mayol versus Pompetch Twins Gym. Other 10-round bouts will be between Filipinos Al Sabaupan and Arnel Dunal, Marlon Tapales and Rey Megrino, and Mark Anthony Geraldo and Pol Apolinario. Eight-round fights will feature Edward Penerio against Allan Randa and Jovill Marayan versus JR Mendoza. A four-round swingbout between Edwin Mondala and Benjen Manangkil opens Friday’s event. – KY, Jon Perez, GMANews.TV