THERE WAS ONE MAN WHO TRULY KNEW how close the gallant Brian Viloria had come to doing another Z Gorres.
Referee Bruce McTavish saw it close—up close at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay last Saturday.
In fact, McTavish said he had wanted to jump in and stop the fight much ahead.
Viloria was fading rapidly, he was sinking, swaying all over the ring.
But Mr. Bruce swore he just could not do it.
* * *
Twice Viloria slipped and slid to the floor without getting hit.
“After he got up from his second slip, he was hit before he went to the ropes,” McTavish bared on why he stopped the fight with a little over a minute left.
Why the indecision? Would’ve Viloria won on points had he lasted the distance on his feet?
“He would’ve at least retained his crown,” McTavish replied.
How?
“The bout would’ve ended in a draw.”
* * *
McTavish did not say it but another hesitation on his part would’ve spelled disaster.
Another shot to the head would’ve sent Viloria waltzing limbless to the waiting coma couch.
In fact, after he was saved by McTavish, Viloria was later reported to have sunk and fainted in the dugout.
He was next rushed to the hospital, where he was declared out of danger later in the day.
* * *
Out of danger, but how safe?
At least, in the case of Gorres, whose senses were restored—thanks mainly to the concern and generosity of Dr. Ben Calderon and his friends in Las Vegas—there would be no future perils.
Gorres can never be expected to don the boxing gloves after fighting off the nightmare blot and returning from a horrible coma.
* * *
The big question: Do we have an agency that could evaluate Viloria?
Does the Games and Amusements Board have the temerity to put its foot down and rule to save Viloria from future harm and damage?
Of course, the question of the moment is: Will Viloria be allowed to fight again?
In case Viloria cares to know, the majority of those we talked to out in the streets want him to hang up his gloves.
We just care for you this much, Brian.
* * *
There definitely was great regret that Brian lost his world title, bringing down to “only four” the world crowns RP now owns.
Actually, Viloria, after a terrific start, appeared headed for a win, until he faded inexplicably starting the ninth round.
There was this belated expert suggestion that he should’ve just opted to box the rest of the way.
There should also be merit to the observation that Viloria repeatedly exposed himself in a bid to land a haymaker.
* * *
It was indeed a pity, but it seemed Viloria on Saturday would not be caught dead settling for a mere win on points.
As noted aptly by one veteran boxing hand, Brian obviously felt he owed his adoring countrymen another sensational win by stoppage.
You know, just like the one he scored when he sent the whole country erupting in joy after knocking out Mexican Ulysses Solis with a single punch at the Araneta Coliseum last April.
No need anymore, Brian.
We swear and we know you’ve got a heart bigger than all of Pasay.
