Congratulations to Brian Viloria on his big upset KO win over Giovanni Segura. After following Viloria?s career for its entire 11 years, one thing is now clear. Maybe it?s best if Brian Viloria is never favored again in a boxing ring. He seems to win whenever someone is viewed as a top dog in the lower weights, and takes him on as a name scalp (Solis, Segura). Not only does he win, but usually by KO, in an exciting fight. He also loses, and /or struggles when he is supposed to be in soft. If he was a bit heavier, Viloria vs. Donaire would be huge in the Phillipines.
Bravo to Segura for taking that fight in Viloria?s ethnic homeland, but it begs the question: Has Viloria ever fought on Showtime, HBO or a major PPV event? I cannot recall it happening. He was exposed to U.S. audiences on ESPN2 while building his career, but his biggest achievements have taken place off our radar. Much like Steve Cunningham, he is in many exciting fights, but his division seems to be keeping him out of mainstream boxing?s sights.
He is also one of the few men left over from the 2000 Olympics. Cotto is enjoying a bit of a resurgence, but gone are Michael Bennett, Jeff Lacy, Ricardo Williams, Calvin Brock, and Mohammed Abdullaev. Rocky Juarez, Vic Darchinyan, Jermain Taylor, and Felix Sturm are slipping badly, and on last legs. Viloria keeps finding new life. Wish we got a chance to see more of it, if only on bigger televised undercards.
Either way, perhaps timing and weight divisions may finally be in Viloria?s favor. The time is perfect to be a Filipino boxing star. This is true, even if he is only the 3rd best from that ethnicity. There should also be no promotional issues, but perhaps being hidden in Hawaii and the Phillipines is not the right move. Let?s reintroduce Viloria to the bright lights of Vegas and the East Coast. Maybe this time, he won?t buckle under the lights.
What is next for Segura? Well, he better hope his powers have not diminished after only a four pound leap in weight. I think it more of a case of him falling victim to a motivated fighter he had taken lightly. There are still belts to be won at that weight. Maybe a matchup with Donaire?s younger brother, Glenn, who is coming off an impressive victory, may be in order. That may be what Viloria has planned, however.
