EXACTLY NINE days after Manny Pacquiao triumphantly arrived in Manila, another boxing hero in World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight champion Brian Viloria is set to excite boxing fans when he arrives in Manila on Sunday.
Viloria, known as Hawaiian Punch, may not get the same reception accorded to Pacquiao, but his presence is likely to boost the sport in the country.
Viloria captured the belt and the imagination of boxing followers around the globe after stopping titleholder Eric Ortiz of Mexico in the first round of their scheduled 12-round bout last Sept. 11 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
But what endeared the former Olympian to Filipino fans was when he proudly waved the Philippine flag during his victory ride inside the ring.
Viloria, Pacquiao and Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista won on the same night, setting off wild celebrations among Filipinos in California.
A hero’s welcome awaits Viloria when he visits Ilocos Sur, the home province of his parents.
His father, Ben, is from Narvacan while his mother, is from Sta. Maria towns of Ilocos Sur. The Vilorias migrated to the United States in the ’80s and raised the new boxing hero in Waipahu, Hawaii.
Viloria turned pro in 2001 after a stellar amateur career. He won two Junior Olympic championships (1995-96) and was named “Boxer of the Year” by USA Boxing in 1999.
To know more about the 24-year-old champ, Solar Sports will host a press conference at the Presidential Lounge upon his arrival.
