Viloria seeks to settle old issue with Romero today

CEBU, Philippines - Explosive fistic action will take place in the Philippine territory today as three-time world champion Brian "The Hawaiian Punch" Viloria (30-3, 16 KOs) will defend his WBO flyweight champion against his Mexican archrival Omar Niño Romero (31-4-2, 13KOs) in a 12-round duel headlining the "Island Assault 4: The Battle" at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The slambang show presented by Solar Sports in association with Zanfer Promotions of Mexico will be telecast over GMA-7, with a live broadcast being provided on pay-per-view basis across the globe.

The 31-year-old Viloria considers his third encounter with Romero as a personal fight, saying his future would be very bleak if he won't get past Romero in a more decisive manner.

Since turning pro, Viloria had a streak of 20 victories until he lost the WBC light flyweight crown to Romero via unanimous decision in 2006. Three months later, their rematch ended in a draw that was later changed to a "no contest" when Romero failed a post-fight drug test.

The 2000 US Olympian hopes to settle once and for all an old issue with Romero now that their paths will cross inside the squared arena for the third time.

In the supporting main event, Rodel "Batang Mandaue" Mayol (30-5-2, 22 KOs) will slug it out with Julio Cesar "Pingo" Miranda (37-6-1, 29 KOs) in a 10-round showdown of former world champions.

Miranda, rated No. 3 by the WBO and No. 4 by the WBA, is a Mexican knockout artist who dropped his WBO title fight to Viloria last year.

The WBC No. 9 and IBF ranked No. 12 Mayol, a Cebuano ring gladiator now living in Los Angeles, lost his WBC light flyweight crown, ironically, to Romero two years ago.

In the other bouts, Robert "Battlin' Bert" Udtuhan (17-1-1, 13 KOs) will take on Alvin Makiling (9-4-1, 2 KOs) for the interim WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight belt, while the unbeaten featherweight prospect Jun "Chainsaw" Doliguez (11-0) will collide with Jonel "Mulawin" Alibio (16-13-2, 8KOs) in a 10-round special attraction. (FREEMAN)