CEBU - Former WBC light flyweight champion Brian "Hawaiian Punch" Viloria and OBPF lightweight crown-holder Randy "Kumong Bato" Suico will see action against separate foes underneath the Nonito Donaire-Fernando Montiel showdown on March 15 at the Araneta Coliseum.
Cebuano topnotch promoter Rex "Wakee" Salud said the blockbuster show, which will be aired live via satellite in the US and in other parts of the globe, is co-promoted by Top Rank of Bob Arum and MP Promotions of boxing great Manny Pacquiao.
Viloria (24-2, 14KOs) is set to challenge IBF 108-pound titlist Ulises "Archie" Solis of Mexico (28-1, 20KOs), conqueror of several decorated Filipino fighters in the likes of Rodel Mayol, Bert Batawang, and Glenn Donaire.
Former WBC lightweight champion David Diaz and reigning WBA super featherweight Edvin Valero, who had been longing to challenge Pacman, are also scheduled to visit the Queen City of the South today.
The 28-year-old Viloria is on a five-fight win streak since failing in his attempt to regain his WBC belt with a majority decision loss to Edgar Sosa in April last year at the Alamodome in San Antonio,Texas. In his previous bout, he scored a smashing second round stoppage of Benjamin Garcia last week at the Alameda Swap Meet in Los Angeles.
Salud, on the other hand, said he is planning to insert Suico against ex-WBC lightweight champion David Diaz in the card.
"That is if Diaz won't price himself too much," said Salud, Pacquiao's business associate. Diaz was dethroned by Pacquiao via a brutal ninth round knockout.
Also, Suico (28, 3-1, 24KOs) has to beat first Japanese challenger Ichitaro Ishii (11-2-1, 5KOs) tonight at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan for the Diaz match to be placed in the negotiating table.
Meanwhile, Donaire (20-1, 13KOs) is already in the country to celebrate Christmas and begin his preparations for his fight against WBO super flyweight ruler Fernando "Cochulito" Montiel (38-2-1, 28KOs). Donaire is the reigning IBF/IBO flyweight king.
The fight will be Donaire's first on the Philippine soil. Montiel has already fought here once, barely retaining his WBO throne with a controversial split decision victory over Cebuano Z "The Dream" Gorres on February 24 last year at the Cebu City Sports Center. – EBV (THE FREEMAN)