Brian Viloria

Brian “The Hawaiian Punch” Viloria recently rejuvenated his boxing career by outpointing Julio Cesar Miranda last July 16 to win the WBO flyweight championship – his third world title in two weight divisions.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii to Filipino parents, Viloria traces his roots to Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. He represented the US in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. A national Golden Gloves champion, Viloria compiled an amateur record of 230-8.

Viloria won his first world title in 2005, knocking out Eric Ortiz in the first round to annex the WBC light flyweight crown. He made one successful defense before losing the belt to Omar Nino Romero the following year.

After a stint at super flyweight where he scored five straight wins, Viloria moved back to light flyweight. There, he won his second world title by knocking out IBF light flyweight champion Ulises Solis before a packed crowd at the Araneta Coliseum in April 2009.

However, Viloria yielded the belt to Carlos Tamara of Columbia in January 2010 – a fight that saw the Filipino-American fading in the final round to lose via TKO.

Viloria, now crowned WBO flyweight champion, vows to have a longer reign this time. His professional record is 29-3, with 16 knockouts.