Speed is Viloria’s chief asset

World Boxing Council (WBC) lightflyweight champion Brian Viloria’s manager Gary Gittelsohn said the other day the Ilocano fighter’s superior speed, not his power, will take the starch out of Mexican challenger Jose Antonio Aguirre in their 12-round title bout at the Aladdin Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas tomorrow night (Sunday morning, Manila).

But Gittelsohn warned Viloria not to take Aguirre lightly.

"In the lower weight classes, the pool of talent is more uniformly competitive," said Gittelsohn in an email to The STAR. "Aguirre’s record of achievement is particularly impressive. He is a former world champion who reigned for a remarkable six years. He has been very vocal in the Latino press, confidently predicting a knockout over Brian to capture another world title. Aguirre is strong and is used to overpowering his opponents. Of his 33 wins, 20 were by knockout. He is a skilled professional and very well schooled by Erik Morales’ father Jose, his trainer. At this level, every opponent is dangerous and it is particularly so with Aguirre."

Viloria, however, is prepared to do what it takes to repulse the Mexican. He’s ready to go the distance if Aguirre decides to box or he could go for an early knockout if the Mexican decides to slug it out.

"Brian had a terrific training camp," said Gittelsohn, a lawyer who as former president of Marvel Comics, developed such characters as the X-Men, Spiderman, the Incredible Hulk, Blade and the Fantastic Four for the movies. "He is supremely confident and his punching power is astounding. The leverage Brian gets on his punches is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in the lower weight classes. That’s what I believe makes Brian so much fun to watch. But I don’t believe it’s Brian’s power that will necessarily make the difference in this fight–it will be his superior speed."

Gittelsohn said Viloria and trainer Freddie Roach are convinced speed will create the opportunity for a knockout.

"We’ve looked at tape of Aguirre and we are certain that Brian is the better athlete," continued Gittelsohn. "The quickness with which Brian delivers his punches makes them exponentially more effective. Brian wants the big showcases and the rewards that accompany them–he knows the stakes are high and we all believe he is ready for his moment."

Aguirre, 30, is in the crossroads of a career that started in 1995. He has lost his last two outings, both by knockout, and a defeat to Viloria could signal retirement from the ring.

Aguirre was unbeaten in his first 13 bouts and won the WBC minimumweight crown via a majority 12-round decision over Wandee Singwangcha in Thailand in 2000. He made seven successful defenses then yielded the throne to Eagle Kyowa on a lopsided decision in Tokyo in 2004.

Last year, Aguirre was stopped by Eric Ortiz for the vacant WBC lightflyweight title in Mexico City. Ortiz then lost the crown to Viloria on a first round knockout in Los Angeles last September. Aguirre was foiled in an attempt to claim the World Boxing Association lightflyweight diadem when he was halted by Roberto Vasquez in Panama last August because of a cut in his left eyebrow. Aguirre had decked Vasquez in the second round and appeared to be in control until he was cut.

Aguirre’s record is 33-4-1, with 20 KOs. Viloria, 25, has a record of 18-0, with 12 KOs.

Gittelsohn said Viloria has too much respect for Aguirre to make a bold prediction on the outcome of their bout.

"Brian is especially polite, respectful and mild-mannered outside the ring," said Gittelsohn. "He’s not given to making predictions about the outcome of his fights. Brian is training for a hard 12-round contest but if a knockout presents itself, he will not allow the moment to escape. Brian knows he takes into the ring with him the pride and prayers of the Philippines and he takes seriously his obligation to fight bravely and deliver a scintillating performance."

Gittelsohn said Viloria’s mother Rose, sister Roxanne and brother Gaylord will fly in from Honolulu to watch the fight at ringside. His sister-in-law and nephew will also attend along with other relatives, friends and supporters from the Philippines, Hawaii and Los Angeles.

Actors and crews of the soap opera "General Hospital" and the sitcom "Half & Half" will also cheer for Viloria. Gittelsohn’s wife Ellen is a renowned TV director whose list of credits includes "Half & Half" (a 30-minute sitcom with Alec Mapa, a Filipino, in the cast), "Friends" and "The Cosby Show." Viloria’s neighbor is the wardrobe consultant for "General Hospital" and Viloria has visited the set where the series is filmed. When Viloria fought Ortiz, 99 members of the "General Hospital" cast and crew were at the Staples Center to cheer for the "Hawaiian Punch."

Viloria’s uncle Rodel is trying to work out arrangements to fly in from Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, to join the family in Las Vegas. Viloria’s father Benjamin will be in his corner.