Brian Viloria, the newly crowned World Boxing Council light flyweight champion, could be moving up in weight very soon.
Viloria’s American manager, Gary Gittlesohn, on Tuesday said he is looking to pit the “Hawaiian Punch” against WBC flyweight champion Jorge Arce of Mexico.
The flamboyant Arce will defend the 112-pound division crown against Hussein Hussein at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on October 8.
The 24-year-old Filipino American will watch the Arce-Hussein rematch at ringside.
Despite a bloodied face, Arce knocked out Hussein last March 19 in Las Vegas.
Gittlesohn said they will watch the fight with interest, knowing that either fighter could be next for Viloria.
“We will watch that fight and then meet with Bob Arum [of Top Rank Promotions] who handles Arce,” he said during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Pantalan Restaurant in Manila.
Although he refuses to take things in a hurry, Gittlesohn said an Arce-Viloria fight could take place on January 21, when Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao faces Erik Morales in a rematch. Otherwise, he sees Viloria climbing the ring by the end of this year against a different opponent.
Gittlesohn said, however, that an Arce-Viloria bout is bound to happen.
Born in Hawaii, Viloria arrived in the country Sunday with his manager and father Ben to visit his ailing grandfather and other relatives in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.
He leaves for his father’s hometown on Wednesday and will be back in Manila the next day for a string of functions, including a possible dinner with President Arroyo on Monday.
The Vilorias and Gittlesohn will fly back to the United States on Tuesday.
“Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat (Thank you all),” was Viloria’s opening statement at the forum, where he displayed his shining WBC belt.
“Am happy to be here. Am enjoying myself pretty much. Winning this world championship has been one of the best things that ever happened in my career.
“Gary Gittlesohn has given me a second chance at the gold medal and he told me to ‘go get it.’ That’s what happened September 10,” added Viloria, who failed to reach the medal rounds of the 2000 Sydney Olympics where he was part of the US team.
“This world championship I dedicate to the Philippines,” added Viloria.
