MANILA, Philippines - As far as World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight king Brian Viloria is concerned, his three-chapter duel with Mexican nemesis Omar Niño Romero is now a closed book and thus no longer necessitates a fourth faceoff.
“I don’t think I have anything to gain in fighting him a fourth time. What I need to do is step into bigger fights, aim for HBO and Showtime fights and possibly unify the belts,” Viloria said during yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue.
Earlier, Viloria paid a courtesy visit to Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim where he was warmly welcomed by city officials, employees and fans.
Viloria arrived at City Hall at 9 a.m. with wife Erica and Solar Entertainment chief executive officer Wilson Tieng where Lim was joined in by secretary to the mayor Rafaelito Garayblas, city administrator Jay Marzan, city security force chief Ret. Maj. Nick Amparo and Lim’s chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman among others.
During a press conference, Lim congratulated Viloria and said he will serve as an inspiration to Manilans, adding that Viloria has proved he is a better fighter by defeating his opponent via technical knockout.
“Na-technical knockout ang kalaban niya. Wala nang reklamo. Once and for all, talagang masasabi natin na mas magaling ang dating champion na si Brian Viloria,” said Lim.
In their first clash in 2006, Romero beat Viloria while the rematch ended in a draw.
The mayor then handed over to Viloria and his wife souvenirs from the city government before they headed to their respective vehicles for the traditional motorcade around the city streets.
At the PSA Forum, the “Hawaiian Punch” felt he had “closed the chapter on the trilogy with Romero” last Sunday when he stopped Romero in the ninth round to retain the crown.
It was payback time for the Sydney Olympian who dropped a unanimous decision to the Mexican and yielded his WBC light-flyweight crown in their first meeting 2006 and had a draw in their rematch that was later declared a no-contest after Romero failed a drug test.
Romero, before leaving Manila, said he wanted another fight with Viloria, this time in his hometown Mexico.
But the Ilocano fighter has his eyes elsewhere.
First he had a long-promised honeymoon-vacation to wife Erica to fulfill.
Then there’s work to be done to stay in top form while management is arranging a possible unification showdown with Hernan “Tyson” Marquez, the World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight champion or a prospective duel with unbeaten Roman Gonzales of Nicaragua, the WBA light-flyweight titlist.
“Everything is still up in the air, nothing is concrete yet,” said Viloria, who also personally received his trophy from the PSA for being a major awardee for boxing after failing to attend the awards night last March.
“But a unification match with Marquez would really be a good thing for the boxing community. If Gonzales is willing to go up in weight, that’s also a possibility. He’s a great fighter, who’s undefeated (32-0, 27 KOs),” he added.
The 31-year-old Viloria said part of his goal is to join Pinoy champs Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire Jr. in the elite pound-for-pound list.
Viloria said he’s looking at a possible long reign as world flyweight champion, especially now that he seemed to have found his ideal fighting weight.
“I’m comfortable with my weight right now. I could easily make weight at flyweight,” he said.