VIGAN CITY — World Boxing Council light flyweight champion Brian Viloria was given a hero’s welcome yesterday with over 10,000 people lining up the streets to get a glimpse of their native boxing hero.
Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis Chavit Singson was with the Viloria as they snaked their way through the busy streets of Vigan and the national highway to Narvacan, home town of the boxing champion.
Viloria, accompanied by his father Benjamin and Singson, arrived aboard a chartered plane.
“Your support would inspire me to do my best to win more boxing titles,” Viloria said before throng of cheering Ilocanos.
Although an American citizen who represented the United States in the Olympics, Viloria said he still considers himself a Filipino and a pure-bred Ilocano.
Viloria, born in Hawaii of Filipino parents Benjamin and the former Rosemarie Costales, grew up in Narvacan before returning to Hawaii at the age of six.
“I could not deny my roots, I’m a pure-bred Ilocano. That’s why, when I won the crown from Eric Ortiz last Sept. 11, I raise our Philippine flag,” he said.
Singson said the visit of Viloria will hopefully unite the province of Ilocos Sur and the country as a whole.
“His visit in our country is very timely because that despite the crisis we are experiencing at present, we are here united in hailing our very own boxing hero,” he said.
Apparently overcome with joy, Chavit announced the Fil-American as a boxer a notch above Manny Pacquiao.
“Viloria is better than Manny Paquiao, he is faster than Manny Paquiao and the greatest Filipino and Ilocano fighter,” he said.
Rodel Viloria, Brian’s uncle, said that he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.
After the program at provincial capitol, Viloria proceeded to his hometown in Barangay San Jose, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur to visit his ailing grandfather, Oscar Viloria.
