Win vs Romero to enhance Viloria's WBA title bid

MANILA, Philippines - Brian Viloria will not only seek revenge when he defends his WBO flyweight crown against two-time tormentor Omar Niño Romero next month but will also try to gain a crack at the WBA flyweight title held by Hernan Marquez.

The winner of the Viloria-Romero bout will most likely be lined up for a shot at Marquez, making the April 1 showdown a key duel for the two fighters.

But nothing motivates Viloria than getting back at Romero, who beat him twice in setbacks that practically stalled the Fil-Am’s rise to fame.

Viloria was coming off a good stretch in his career when he faced Romero. He dominated and stopped Eric Ortiz in the first round to claim the WBC light flyweight title. He then scored a unanimous decision over Jose Antonio Aguirre to defend the crown.

Romero, then ranked a lowly 10th by the WBC, did not appear to be a legitimate threat to Viloria. He did not have knockout power and his boxing skills looked rudimentary. Viloria, in contrast, was undefeated and had a sterling amateur career. But Romero prepared the perfect gameplan and outworked the champion, 245-113.

Viloria cashed in a rematch clause three months later. But the result was more of the same as Romero kept the title with a majority draw. However, the result was changed to a no-contest after Romero failed the post fight drug test.

The Viloria-Romero fight will headline the Island Assault 4 event on Solar Sports – Ch. 70 – Skycable, Ch. 35 – Destiny, Ch. 45 – Cignal, Ch. 31 – Cable Link.