MANILA, Philippines—Manny Pacquiao has Juan Manuel Marquez. Brian Viloria has Omar Nino Romero.
The “Hawaiian Punch” eyes a definitive victory over an old foe when he faces Romero on April 1 in a trilogy capping bout that could set the winner up for a world title clash.
Viloria (30-3-0, 17 KOs) was a star on the rise when he squared off with Romero first in the undercard of the Pacquiao-Erik Morales bout in 2006.
But Romero foiled the then-undefeated Viloria, forcing the Fil-Am to cash in on the fight deal’s rematch clause.
Records list Viloria the winner of that match but only because Romero failed the post fight drug test.
Five years later, they go at it again when Viloria defends his WBO flyweight title here in the country.
The winner of this fight will most likely fight WBA flyweight champion Hernan Marquez next.
Updates on the card, dubbed Island Assault 4, will be featured regularly on Solar Sports—Ch. 70 on Skycable, Ch. 35 on Destiny, Ch. 45 on Cignal and Ch. 31 on Cable Link.