Viloria stops Thai, eyes world crown

MANILA—Brian Viloria launched his bid for yet another world title with a seventh-round technical knockout victory over Liempetch Sor Veerapol of Thailand that triggered a string of stoppages by Filipino fighters Friday night in the Boxing at the Bay 5 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
 
Viloria, two-time world light flyweight champion, finished off Veerapol with a torrid combination to the body two minutes and nine seconds into the seventh round of their 10-round nontitle flyweight bout serving as main event in the card dubbed as Friday Fight Fest.
 
Looking comfortable in a heavier class, Viloria earlier sent Veerapol to the canvas with a flurry of punches to the body midway in the fifth round.
 
With the victory, Viloria became the mandatory contender to the WBO flyweight crown held by Julio Cesar Miranda of Mexico.
 
“I felt great,” the 22-year-old Viloria said. “My combinations were there, all the preparations we had paid off. Sure I need a little bit more (training) to win a world championship again. But I will fight anybody and I’m ready for the world championship.”
 
Viloria improved his record to 28 wins, 16 by KO, and three losses.
 
Denver Cuello and Rodel Mayol also pulled off abbreviated victories in the top supporting bouts.
 
Cuello stopped Kongkrai Kiatpracha 2:10 into the first round after sending the Thai down for the third time.
 
Mayol, the former WBC light flyweight titlist, dispatched a listless Pompetch Twins Gym of Thailand, ending the fight with a flurry in the seventh round.
 
Earlier, IBF Pan Pacific Lightweight champion Al Sabaupan of Batangas survived a slugfest with Arnel Dunal of Mandaue City before hacking out a unanimous decision in their lightweight bout.