World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight champion Brian Viloria didn’t pick his next opponent, his opponent chose him.
The 30-year-old Hawaiian native Viloria, who now resides in Los Angeles, California brought himself back from the brink of irrelevance when he dug deep to come out on top against titlist Julio Cesar Miranda last July, but in the process inherited Giovani Segura’s mandatory challenge.
The 29-year-old Segura (28-1-1, 24 knockouts) of Bell, California by way of Guerrero, Mexico is the reigning champion from the division below (light flyweight). He is coming off of two statement-making knockout victories over the legendary Ivan Calderon.
Segura is the eighth-ranked pound-for-pound fighter by The Ring Magazine.
It’s not the ideal situation to walk into, but it’s one that affords Viloria a unique opportunity to cement his legacy.
“This is the type of fight that will put you on the map,” said Viloria, 29-3 (16 KOs). “These are the kind of fights that will put you on the top 10 pound for pound list. These are the type of fights you have to take in order for you to be remembered in this sport. It?s a big gamble, it?s gonna be really tough, but I think I have what it takes to defeat Segura.”
Viloria, who was a US Olympian in the 2000 Games, has now won three world titles at 108 and 112 pounds and is poised to take on his biggest test of his professional career.
The fight was ordered by the WBO, which recognizes Viloria as champion, but was delayed due to a nasty cut suffered over his right eye. Viloria insists the cut is healing well, despite redness from the scar being visible upon closer inspection.
His first defense will likely be in early December, either in the Philippines or Hawaii, Viloria says.
