WILL Brian Viloria finally solve the old riddle named Omar Niño Romero?
Viloria thinks so as the rejuvenated Filipino-American defends his World Boxing Organization flyweight crown today against the Mexican who had frustrated him twice nearly six years ago.
“I’m ready to get this job done,” said Viloria, after yesterday’s weigh-in at the Discovery Suites in Pasig where he checked in at an exact 112 pounds. “I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.”
The 31-year-old Viloria was beaten by Romero in their first showdown for Brian’s WBC light flyweight title before settling for a majority draw in their rematch, which was later changed to a no-decision when the Mexican failed a post-fight drug test.
The Filipino-American known as Hawaiian Punch refused to predict a win by stoppage but promised to bring the fight to Romero, who has shown signs of wear and tear at 35.
Romero, however, is unfazed by Viloria’s evolvement into a more complete fighter, saying that he’s ready to wage war round by round.
Coming in also at 112 pounds, Romero totes a 30-win, 4-loss, 2-draw (12 knockouts) record after stopping journeyman Javier Romano in the third round last Feb. 23.
In contrast, Viloria (33-3 with 17 KOs) is fresh off an awesome eight-round demolition of highly touted Giovani Segura late last year.
Chosen as judges for the Viloria-Romero trilogy are Carlos Ortiz Jr. of New York, Canadian Glen Feldman and lawyer Danrex Tapdasan.
In the chief support, Filipino Rodel Mayol and Mexican Julio Cesar Miranda tangle in a 10-round nontitle bout.
Both former world champions weighed in at 114 lb and are expected to go for the knockout if only to get another title shot.
Mayol boasts a 30-5-2 record with 22 KOs while Miranda hits even heavier with a 37-6-1 (29 KOs) ledger.
Dayer Gabutan and Dado Cabintoy will clash for the WBO Oriental bantamweight title in another televised bout of the fight card produced by Solar Sports and to be broadcast by GMA 7 this morning.