Brian “Hawaiian Punch” Viloria (30 – 3 – 0 – 2 NC) faces familiar foe and rival Omar Nino Romero on March 31 in the Philippines. Six years ago, Romero out boxed Viloria and took his WBC light flyweight title. They met three months later in a rematch and Romero beat him again via majority decision. Romero would later relinquish the title after testing positive in his post fight drug test.
After losing back-to-back fights to Romero (31 – 4 – 2), Viloria would later capture the IBF World Light Flyweight title only to lose it again in his second title defense. It took Viloria five years to shake off the cobwebs and to fully recover from his losses to Romero. He won the WBO World Flyweight title last year and defended it successfully against top rated flyweight Giovani Segura in December.
Viloria showed hunger, motivation, and discipline in his domination of Segura. But to prove to the world he’s returned to elite status he must defeat personal tormentor Romero. His two losses to Romero started a downward spiral of inconsistency for Viloria. Up until now, Viloria hasn’t successfully defended a world title twice in a row.
Viloria is on the verge of completing a career renaissance. He already has a signature win over Segura. But with a victory over Romero, he can put a stamp on his legacy.
