Viloria never sharper in gym

MANILA, Philippines - Brian Viloria has never been sharper in the gym as he gets ready for WBC flyweight champion Roman (Chocolatito) Gonzalez of Nicaragua when they square off in a 12-round title fight at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Oct. 17.

Viloria’s trainer Marvin Somodio said the other day the Hawaiian Punch’s timing and accuracy couldn’t be better. “It’s all business with Brian,” said Somodio in a phone call from his Los Angeles home. “He’s in excellent shape. I haven’t seen him in better condition preparing for a fight with a month to go. He weighs about 116 to 117 pounds so it won’t be a problem to get to 112 for the fight. Brian never stopped working out. After his last fight, he was back in the gym right away.”

Viloria disposed of Omar Soto in one round in his most recent outing last July. That was his fourth straight win since losing the WBO and WBA flyweight titles to Mexico’s Juan Francisco Estrada on a split decision in Macau in April 2013. Viloria can’t wait to get back on the throne.

Somodio said Viloria reports to strength and conditioning coach Frankie Escobedo thrice a week to tune up his body for what could be the biggest fight in his career. “Brian hooked up with Frankie before his fight against Tyson Marquez three years ago,” said Somodio. “Brian knocked out Marquez in 10 rounds to unify the WBA and WBO flyweight titles. He didn’t work with Frankie in his last three fights but now they’re back. Brian is doing sprints and plyometrics Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. When he’s at Wild Card, it’s strictly boxing. I think Brian is stronger and in better condition now more than ever.”

While Viloria awaits WBO lightflyweight champion Donnie Nietes’ arrival from the Philippines, Somodio said he’s been sparring with veteran Rodel Mayol at Freddie Roach’s facility in Hollywood. Nietes, who faces Mexican challenger Juan Alejo in Carson City on Oct. 17, will leave for the US as soon as he is issued a P1 visa. Nietes and Viloria will be sparmates at the Wild Card Gym. Mayol, 34, is a former WBC lightflyweight champion who hasn’t fought since September 2012. Somodio said Mayol has been working out fighters at Wild Card and is in shape.

“Rodel fights like Chocolatito,” said Somodio. “He has good, basic form and a strong uppercut. He’s been hanging around the gym working with fighters. He’s experienced and I think he’ll do okay if he makes a comeback. But that’s his choice.”

 Somodio said Gonzalez has never been tested by a power puncher like Viloria. “Brian has the ability to score a knockout,” he said. “He’s got power with his body shots and left hook. Chocolatito is an easy target because he doesn’t move around too much. If Brian connects, Chocolatito will feel it. Can Brian take Chocolatito’s power? I think so. Brian fought Giovani Segura who hits harder than Chocolatito and knocked him out in eight rounds. If Brian can take Segura’s power, he can take Chocolatito’s. Segura is a more dangerous opponent than Chocolatito but Brian took care of him.”

Somodio said age won’t be a factor in the fight. Viloria is 34 while Gonzalez is 28. The Nicaraguan, however, has figured in three more fights than Viloria with a 43-0 record, including 37 KOs, compared to the Hawaiian Punch’s mark of 36-4, including 22 KOs. “I don’t think Brian’s body has gone through as much as Chocolatito’s,” said Somodio. “There were intervals in Brian’s career where he had long layoffs. He’s a very disciplined and focused fighter. He’s a lot fresher than most fighters his age. I’m confident Brian will beat Gonzalez.”

Somodio said the Wild Card Gym hasn’t been busier. He’ll join Roach in Viktor Postol’s corner when the unbeaten Ukrainian takes on Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse for the vacant WBC superlightweight throne at the StubHub Center in Carson City on Oct. 3. They’ll be together again when Miguel Cotto stakes his WBC middleweight crown against Mexico’s Saul (Canelo) Alvarez at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on Nov. 21.

“We’re expecting Miguel to report for camp next week,” said Somodio. “I don’t think Miguel will find it hard to hit Canelo who’s a bit slow. Miguel’s footwork and power will be critical factors. With Viktor, we want him to box and move. Matthysse is a power puncher so the key is not to get hit. We don’t want to engage Matthysse. We know what Matthysse can do. He fought one of our guys Ruslan Provonikov last April and won a majority decision. Viktor is a very skilled fighter. If he fights his fight, there’s no doubt he’ll beat Matthysse.”