Viloria beats Romero to retain WBO title

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-American Brian Viloria exacted revenge on Mexican rival Omar Nino Romero via a technical knockout (TKO) in the ninth round to defend his WBO flyweight title before a home crowd at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Sunday.

Viloria, popularly known as the “Hawaiian Punch, ” dictated the tempo and was able to cut a portion over the left eye of Nino in round five.

Filipino-American Brian Viloria. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Romero’s corner threw in the towel in the ninth round of the World Boxing Organization fight in Manila after Filipino Viloria, 31, unleashed a salvo of unanswered punches against the 36-year-old Mexican, who was stuck on the ropes.

This was the third time Viloria and Romero have battled. The second time ended in a no contest in favor of Romero via Majority Decision.

Nino failed, however, his post-fight drug test which was only fitting for a third installment.

Their first encounter went the distance with the Mexican winning via unanimous decision.

Speaking after Sunday’s bout, Viloria said he had become stronger since the two previous encounters.

“He didn’t feel my power in the first two fights,” he said.

Viloria, of Filipino descent and based in Hawaii, almost knocked Romero down in the fourth round with the Mexican visibly dazed by his opponent’s punches.

Romero, known as the “Giant Killer”, falls to 31 wins, five losses and two draws.

Originally posted at 12:37 pm | Sunday, May 13, 2012