Brian Viloria will fight on

SWEET-PUNCHING Roman ?Chocolatito? Gonzalez of Nicaragua is indeed the finest pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

Brian Viloria helped confirm this at the Madison Square Garden on Sunday with a gutsy and dignified stand that was cut short by the referee in the ninth round.

As he has vowed, Viloria, 34, tried to bring out the strongest and finest from his arsenal, but ultimately fell short against Gonzalez, who put on a magnificent prizefight clinic in keeping his neat 44-0 record.

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There were reports Viloria, who jumpstarted and pressed Gonzalez to take the first round, would try to seek a rematch. Viloria reportedly also tried to question the referee?s decision to stop the contest.

There indeed was no sign Viloria was helplessly on the verge of a knockout, after he got pressed against the ropes.

But the referee was right in saying it was his duty to attend to the safety of the combatants.

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Gonzalez did not appear cocked for a finishing fuselade.

Truth is Gonzalez, 28, had been sharp, patient and calmly methodical in carving out a dominant performance.

There was no clear sign Viloria could be crushed in any of the closing rounds, the announced game plan of the Gonzalez camp.

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However, the bout was going nowhere for the outclassed Viloria.

As he had vowed, Viloria tried to bring in something special.

He was visibly at his toughest and strongest but, try as he did, Viloria could not find an opening for his vaunted big punch.

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The best that can be said about Viloria is that it did not end up as though he had been taken back to school.

Gonzalez did give credit to Viloria by saying all the punches hurt.

In the end, Viloria would not hesitate upon being asked whether Gonzalez was the best he had fought.

Viloria nodded meekly before mouthing a dignified ?Yes.?

Viloria has no plans yet of hanging up his gloves.

But no rematch, please. He has clearly learned his lessons well.