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Philippines, 19 Apr 2025 |
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Justin Viloria's Star Continues to Rise By Dong Secuya PhilBoxing.com Tue, 11 Mar 2025  Photos by Jhay Otamias. Filipino-American Justin Viloria, a 20-year-old super featherweight prospect from Whittier, California, is currently making waves. With an undefeated record of 8-0 (6 KOs), Viloria has already showcased his speed, power, and technical skills, earning comparisons to his uncle, former two-division world champion Brian Viloria. His recent first-round knockout victory over Juan Centeno on March 8, 2025, further solidified his reputation as one of the sport's brightest young talents. Born on August 3, 2004, Justin Viloria grew up in a boxing-centric family. His father, Dominic Viloria, was a Muay Thai practitioner, and his uncle, Brian Viloria, is a retired boxing legend who held multiple world titles. Justin began boxing at the age of six, inspired by his family's legacy. Despite losing his first 10 amateur fights, he persevered, eventually winning back-to-back U.S. national championships in 2021 and 2022. Viloria turned professional in 2023 at the age of 18, debuting with a first-round knockout of Sirdarious Smith. Since then, he has consistently faced tougher opponents, including undefeated fighters and seasoned veterans, demonstrating his ability to adapt and dominate. Viloria is a southpaw known for his explosive power, sharp combinations, and body punching. His recent knockout of Juan Centeno highlighted his ability to mix body shots with precise head strikes, overwhelming his opponent in just over a minute. His fighting style reflects his diverse heritage—Filipino, Mexican, Japanese, and Portuguese—which he credits for his versatility in the ring. He combines the pressure-fighting of Mexican boxers, the technical precision of Japanese fighters, and the relentless work ethic of his Filipino roots. Last Saturday, March 8, in Long Beach, CA on the undercard of the Luis Torres Valenzuela vs Nicholas Walters, Viloria faced Juan Centeno, a veteran with over 30 professional fights. Viloria wasted no time, landing devastating body shots that dropped Centeno early in the first round. He followed up with a flurry of head shots, forcing the referee to stop the fight at 1:04 of the opening round. This victory showcased Viloria's ability to finish fights decisively, a trait that has become a hallmark of his young career112. Viloria's mental fortitude is one of his most impressive attributes. In September 2023, he fought Angel Barrera under emotionally challenging circumstances after his father suffered a heart attack just before the bout. Despite the distraction, Viloria won a unanimous decision, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. His early amateur struggles also shaped his resilience. Losing his first 10 fights taught him humility and the importance of perseverance, lessons that have carried over into his professional career. At just 20 years old, Viloria has already fought on high-profile cards under the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) banner, including events featuring stars like Gervonta Davis and Canelo Alvarez. His rapid development and consistent activity suggest he is on a fast track to title contention19. Promoters and analysts are optimistic about his future. With his combination of skill, power, and mental toughness, Viloria has the potential to become a world champion in the super featherweight division. His ability to draw from his diverse heritage and adapt his style to different opponents makes him a formidable prospect. 
While Viloria's future is bright, he will face stiffer competition as he climbs the ranks. Opponents with more experience and technical prowess will test his abilities. Additionally, maintaining his physical and mental health will be crucial as he takes on more demanding fight. Justin Viloria is a rare talent with the pedigree, skills, and determination to become a boxing superstar. His recent knockout victory over Juan Centeno is just the latest example of his potential. With the guidance of his family and the support of Filipino boxing fans, Viloria is poised to carve out his own legacy in the sport. If he continues on this trajectory, he could soon join the ranks of boxing's elite, following in the footsteps of his legendary uncle, Brian Viloria as well as other notable Filipino fighters like Nonito Donaire or even Manny Pacquiao. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.  |
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