BRIAN VILORIA said he is ready to go 12 hard rounds although he wants his fight against Mexican Jose Antonio Aguirre to be quick.
His first defense of the World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight title is set Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila) at the Aladdin Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“It’s always important to look good in a fight. It’s not just good enough to win the fight anymore,” Viloria said. “I have to look devastating. I know I have to go into every fight looking close to perfect.”
Viloria isn’t hiding any secret weapon.
“My game plan is to be me,” he said. “I know I have to use my speed and power since I know I’m faster and stronger than him.”
Aside from the title, the pride of two nations is at stake in the fight.
Viloria, son of Ilocano couple from Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, will don the country’s colors in the “Real Warriors” under card.
The Philippine flag will be decorated on his shorts and gears as he takes on a prot?g?e of Mexican ring idol Erik “El Terrible” Morales, the man recently battered by Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao.
“I’m proud to be Pinoy. I want to show the world who we are through this sport (boxing),” said Viloria, who endeared himself to local fans by waving the Philippine flag after his one-round disposal of then champion and another Mexican Eric Ortiz.
The “Real Warriors” boxing event will be aired simulcast on Solar Sports and RPN-9 on a slightly delayed basis starting 10 a.m.
Meantime, Viloria’s relatives in Narvacan have asked their “kababayans” to offer a prayer for the champion in his bid to retain his title.
Viloria earned the admiration of boxing fans after scoring a sensational first round knockout win over Mexican Eric Ortiz last Sept. 10 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, USA.
In a press interview over DWRS Commando Radio by Vice Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano on Saturday, Judge Victor Viloria, grandfather of Brian Viloria, said that the fight of his grandson is not only for the honor of their families but it is for the honor of the whole Filipinos in the country.
“His (Brian) fight is not only for our family but it is a fight for the whole Filipinos,” he said adding that, “the heart of Brian is more nearer to his Filipino countrymen than the Americans.”
Judge Viloria expressed confidence that Brian would win the match. —With reports from Freddie G. Lazaro
