This Saturday in Manila, Philippines two hard-nosed, tough fighters will square off in what should be an exciting action packed fight for however long it lasts. One fighter has a world title belt and the challenger is moving up a division after previously being the lineal title holder in his previous division. Both men even have interesting back stories that would play well in your typical TV feature piece before big fights.
So, obviously, this fight is going to be televised on Showtime or HBO. Neither network had any interest. Well at least ESPN or another cable network would go after it. Not even a sniff from anyone. In fact, the WBO Flyweight title bout between champion, Brian Viloria 29-3 (16 KO) and challenger Giovani Segura 28-1-1 (24 KO) was just recently picked up by Integrated Sports PPV. While this at least provides the hardcore boxing heads in America a chance to see the fight, they will have shell out $29.95 to watch the action. Considering boxing fans have shelled out for two $50 plus PPV cards recently, those on a budget may not have the option.
Considering the elements of this fight, one simple reason exists as to why this fight is being ignored. The participants are 112 lb. flyweights, otherwise known as little guys. This could end up being a fight of the year candidate. Segura?s berserker style, two-fisted attack is pure action. He has simply never been in a bad fight. Viloria is also no stranger to mixing it up.
As stated above, both fighters bring good stories to go with their fighting style. Viloria, who is Filipino but born and raised in Hawaii, is known as the ?Hawaiian Punch? and is known as a decent, respected man outside the ring. He had an excellent amateur career, defeating Nonito Donaire on the way to making the 2000 Olympic team in Sydney. As a pro, Viloria is a two-time title holder at light flyweight and reigning WBO flyweight title holder.
He has junior flyweight title wins over Ulises Solis and Eric Ortiz and most recently won a flyweight title by defeating Julio Cesar Miranda. All three losses were in title bouts and came against respected opposition including Omar Nino Romero and Carlos Tamara. Viloria has fought in the Continental States, his native Hawaii, and the Philippines, where he fights again this weekend.
Segura is just simply likeable and great to watch. He comes off in interviews as an easy going, fun loving guy appreciative of what he is getting to do for a living. He started boxing as a teenager, much later than some, but what he did not get in fundamentals he makes up for in sheer tenacity and power. El Guerrero Azteca (the Aztec Warrior) lives up to his nickname during his ring entrances, garbed in Aztec gear and helmet and lives up to the lofty nickname in the ring by being a true warrior. He is simply must see TV that not enough people will get to see.
