Mexican retains title over Viloria via majority draw

LAS VEGAS — The bout could have gone either way, and yet it ended in a draw.

Brian Viloria floored reigning champion Omar Niño of Mexico twice, but the Hawaiian with the heart of a Filipino fell short in the eyes of the judges, and the bout ended in a draw.

Judge Dave Moretti scored it 115-112 in favor of Niño while Samuel Conde and Carol Castellano both had it 113-113, leading to the majority draw.

The decision did not sit well with the fans, most of them Filipinos. "What was the judges looking at?" Viloria asked during the packed post-fight press conference.

"I though I won that fight. So let’s do it again. I’m sure you want that," he said toward the direction of the Nino camp.

But as Viloria got off the stage, he approached Romero. They shook hands and gave each other a bear hug that may have sealed a third match between the two little big men.

Romero, who dethroned Viloria as the WBC super-flyweight champion in 12 rounds last August, kept the crown as a result of the draw, and should be extremely happy with it.

After a slow start, Viloria, a former member of the US Olympic Team, caught Romero with a powerful combination at the center of the ring in the fifth round.

The Mexican wobbled and his glove touched the floor. It did not escape the eyes of veteran referee Joe Cortez who called it a knockdown.

But the Mexican, with a ring record of 24 wins, two losses and now two draws, certainly did not lose heart. He won the sixth, seventh and eight rounds.

Then in the ninth, Viloria got him hooked once more.

A good right straight, a glancing left hook and a powerful right cross sent the Mexican down on the floor for the second time in the fight that was really expected to last.

Again, Romero came back strong, taking the next two rounds. In the 10th, they clashed heads and were treated for cut during the break — Viloria on the left eyebrow; Niño on the bridge of his nose.

Before the start of the final round, both boxers egged the crowd to cheer them on. They traded good punches, although Viloria delivered the better finish.

As they waited for the decision, Viloria got a big hug and a big kiss from his father Ben. It seemed that they were already celebrating a victory they truly deserved.

Then came the announcement — a painful draw.