Viloria sharp, ready for Thai foe

MANILA, Philippines - Brian Viloria starts his bid to regain lost boxing glory when he slugs it out with Thai Liempetch Sor Veerapol tomorrow in SOLARtv and Solar Sports’ Boxing at the Bay: Friday Fight Fest at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City.

The former World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation lightflyweight champion is eyeing a crack at the World Boxing Organization flyweight crown currently held by Mexican slugger Julio Cesar Miranda.

The 29-year-old Fil-Am fighter has gone up in weight as he resumes his hunt for a crown after dropping a 12th round loss to Carlos Tamara in his IBF championship defense at the Astrodome last January.

“I feel great and very excited. I wish the fight is held tonight (last night),” said Viloria in yesterday’s press conference at the Gerry’s Grill in Tomas Morato, Quezon City hosted by SOLARtv and Solar Sports.

Viloria, who is set to marry long-time girlfriend Erica Navarro on Dec. 3 in Hawaii, has undergone a rigid training camp under Mexican Mario Morales as he primed up for Boxing at the Bay fight.

“I feel great, I feel a lot stronger and faster and I’m in a condition I want to be and I’m more confident now,” said Viloria, who took 120 rounds of sparring with local pugs.

“I’ve seen a new Brian,” said Ruben Gomez, one of Viloria’s trainers. “He has put extra effort, trained with more consistency and his seek-and-destroy attitude is now returning, we really hope to bring it back,” he said.

Viloria owns a record of 27-3 (win-loss) with 15 knockouts while the 22-year-old Veerapol has knocked out 12 of his 19 opponents. He, however, has seven losses and a draw.

In the other featured bouts, RP’s Denver Cuello (24-4-6. 14KOs) tests the punching power of Thai Kongkrita Kiatpracha (17-11-0, 11 KOs) while another Filipino, Rodel Mayol (13-0-1, 10KOs), takes on another Thai Pompetch Twins Gym (14-2-0, 4KOs).