Viloria: At the crossroads anew

It was heartbreaking to see International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior flyweight champion Brian “The Hawaiian Punch” Viloria being pummeled by challenger Carlos Tamara of Colombia in the 12th and final round of their bout for the former’s title at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City Saturday night. Even sadder was the news that Viloria had to be rushed first to the nearby San Juan de Dios hospital and later on to the Makati Medical Center for more tests.

Viloria, who has roots in the Ilocos region, collapsed in his dressing room after the bruising fight. Anxiety took over as images of a still convalescing Z Gorres ran across people’s minds as TV footage showed Viloria being wheeled into an ambulance.

Viloria had been in command from opening bell but wilted from the pace and paid dearly for it from the ninth round up to 1:45 into the 12th round when the third man in the ring, Bruce McTavish decided that the Fil-American had enough and stopped what had turned into a carnage to prevent serious injury to the champion.

At the end of the 11th round, Viloria had the edge in two of the three scorecards: Jose Garcia had Viloria ahead, 106 – 103 and so did Ray Reed, 105 – 104. Somsak Sirianant scored it 105 – 104, however, for Tamara.

McTavish said that Viloria looked spent after the ninth round: “Pagod na” (He was tired). The Angeles City based-New Zealander said that “it was sad what happened but no Filipino complained except for Roberto Garcia (Viloria’s trainer and former IBF super featherweight titlist) and Viloria”. McTavish said he understood Garcia’s and Viloria’s position because “like true gladiators, they will have to die to lose but the fighters’ safety is his paramount concern”.

 McTavish said, “The Lord gives me three minutes each round to protect the lives of the fighters and I intend to do just that.”

McTavish, still fit at 68, said that Tamara got hit “big time” but lived true to his camp’s promise of wearing Viloria down and taking him out in the late rounds. What happened to Viloria, who did not have trouble making the 108-pound weight limit (whereas Tamara had to sweat it out during the official weigh-in to tip the scales at exactly 108 pounds)? McTavish, who has lived in the Philippines for close to 40 years, believes that Viloria “left it all in the gym”. In short, McTavish suspects, as many do, that Viloria may have over trained probably in his desire to replicate the training and work ethic of Manny Pacquiao.

Viloria, now 29 years old and soon to be married to his fiancé, Erika Navarro, has to make tough decisions about his future in boxing. The last time Viloria found himself at the crossroads was when he lost his World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight title by decision to Mexico’s Nino Romero after going undefeated in 20 bouts. In a rematch, Viloria lost by a controversial majority draw decision despite sending Romero to the canvas twice. Romero was later stripped of his title after being found positive for methamphetamines in a post fight test. The second match was declared a no-contest.

On April 19, 2009 Viloria captured the IBF junior flyweight title from Ulises Solis at the Araneta Coliseum via an 11th round TKO. Viloria had abandoned the super flyweight division despite four victories in the division.

Viloria has moved in and out of the light flyweight and super flyweight divisions in the last four years. This last fight where he was not stopped by a single solid blow but by a series of shots to the head, will definitely have an effect on his career. Many fighters who absorbed brutal beatings are never the same again – ask Ricky Hatton, David Diaz and Miguel Cotto.

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The St. Theresa’s College Quezon City Alumnae Association (STCQCAA) is holding the “Tee for Bahay Teresa” , a golf tournament aimed at bringing together avid golfers and Theresian alumnae to cement friendships and raise funds for the Association’s alumnae home. The tournament will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010 at the Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club. Organizers state that the proceeds of the tournaments will not just go to the building of the Bahay Teresa but also to reinforcing the Association’s mission of nurturing alumnae and contributing to societal transformation through its various relevant projects and activities. For more information, please call 740- 0115.