World Boxing Council (WBC) lightflyweight champion Brian Viloria cancelled his departure for Honolulu yesterday after his grandfather Oscar died at dawn from a lingering illness in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.
Viloria, his father Benjamin and American manager Gary Gittlesohn arrived in Manila from Los Angeles last Sept. 25. They flew to Narvacan on a chartered jet as Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis (Chavit) Singson’s guests for an overnight visit last Wednesday.
After wresting the WBC crown from Eric Ortiz on a first round knockout three weeks ago, Viloria said his immediate plan was to fly to the Philippines and visit his ailing grandfather.
Viloria was born in Hawaii but when he was six months old, his father brought him to Narvacan to live with his grandparents Oscar and Candelaria for five years.
Viloria learned of the death early yesterday morning.His grandfather was 78.Viloria’s consolation was he saw his grandfather alive and show his WBC championship belt during his visit last week.
Viloria was scheduled to leave for Honolulu in the afternoon with his father and Gittlesohn. Viloria and his father decided to extend their stay here until after the mourning period of nine days. Gittlesohn, a lawyer, departed as scheduled because of commitments in the US.
Viloria had planned to be at ringside with Manny Pacquiao for a big card at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas this Saturday. Pacquiao leaves for Las Vegas tomorrow. His younger brother Bobby takes on former world superfeatherweight champion Carlos (Famoso) Hernandez in the card. Viloria was interested to watch Jorge Arce, a possible future opponent, face Hussein Hussein in another fight.
The other night, Viloria, Pacquiao and Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista were feted in a testimonial dinner hosted by Solar Entertainment at the Crowne Plaza Gallleria. The affair was dubbed “Tagumpay–A Tribute to the Champions” and featured over 10 performing artists.
Vice President Noli de Castro, Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio of General Santos City, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, General Santos City Mayor Pedro Acharon, National Bureau of Investigation director Reynaldo Wycoco and Singson were among the guests.
Solar executives Wilson and William Tieng and Peter Chanliong were on hand to welcome the guests and honorees.
The three fighters were awarded plaques of recognition for their wins on the same Staples Center bill in Los Angeles last Sept. 10.
On stage, each fighter spoke to the big crowd and promised bigger things to come.
Pacquiao said he would prepare long and hard for his rematch against Erik Morales on Jan. 21. He thanked his supporters for their unqualified support through the years.
Asked if he imagined it was Morales and not Hector Velazquez he battered into submission, Pacquiao smiled and said, “parang ganoon na nga.”
Viloria said what made his win over Ortiz seem easy was four months of rigorous preparation. He said anything is possible if you work hard for it.
Bautista regaled the audience by relating how as a nine-year-old boy, he survived an accident where a bamboo pole punctured his skull while playing in a deserted farm lot under heavy rain in Candijay, Bohol, and calmly walked home with blood spewing out of the gaping wound. He said he swallowed his own blood but wasn’t afraid.
