Brian Viloria raring to face Giovanni Segura

MANILA—Newly crowned WBO flyweight champion Brian Viloria isn’t afraid of former light flyweight champion and power-puncher Mexican Giovanni Segura who has been named as his mandatory challenger.

“Bring it on!, Viloria told the Inquirer on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Viloria was recognized and given a plaque of appreciation for being a three-time world champion during the halftime of the NBA stars’ game against Smart Gilas Pilipinas.

He said that being recognized before a jam-packed crowd at one of Asia’s most famous sports and entertainment venues was “always a big moment. This inspires me even more for my title defense.”

The World Boxing Organization championship committee stipulated that Viloria would have to defend his title against Segura (28-1-1, 24 KOs) within 90 days of his victory over Julio Cesar Miranda on June 18 in Hawaii.

Segura knocked down the previously undefeated Ivan Calderon twice to grab the WBO light flyweight crown before moving up in weight just like Viloria.

Viloria, who was accompanied by his wife Erika, said he would fight anybody his manager Gary Gittelsohn puts in front on him.

He said fighters “can’t pick and choose. If a guy is out there and they put him up against you, you are going to have to fight him.”