BRIAN Viloria has asked boxing fans to be ready for something big and special on Saturday in New York (Sunday in Manila.)
The way he claimed to have prepared for the biggest fight of his career, the 34-year-old Viloria, a two-division world champion, could’ve trained for somebody bigger and greater than the unbeaten world pound-for-pound king Roman Gonzalez of Nicaragua (43-0, 37 KOs).
They clash at the Madison Square Garden in a world flyweight championship that threatens to outshine the world middleweight unification bout between new pay-per-view star Gennady Golovkin of Kazakhstan and David Limieux of Canada.
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Viloria said he has done everything humanly possible to be at his toughest, strongest, fittest best against Gonzales, a sharp and stylish speedster who had said he planned to take out Viloria in any of the closing rounds.
Viloria, on the other hand, said he should be able to swing this big one either by stoppage or by decision.
He said he has given all his blood, sweat and tears in order to be in his finest form ever.
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Which didn’t readily eliminate the perils of a burn-out, one reason Viloria had faded in the closing rounds of a few encounters in the past.
His pro record is 36-4, with 22 KOs.
He had also been faulted for jump-starting and falling prey to improper pacing.
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“Many people have undermined me, but I won’t allow them to have doubts this time,” Viloria said.
With his impeccable 43-0 record, Gonzales, a former garbage picker, has been hailed mainly for his craft and ring generalship.
He’s said to have met and conquered opponents of various styles and power.
At the same time though, experts agree that this is the first time he’s to meet a tested warrior with a fabulous killer punch.
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One thing that may be answered today is whether or not Gonzalez’s chin can stand up to a big punch.
Gonzales is very likely to avoid an early slug-out.
Viloria, without saying he can take Gonzales punches, said he’s ready to go toe-to-toe or box.
“I don’t know how many more great fights I can have,” Viloria said. “I try to bring out my best, and see if I can still become the best in the world.”