MANILA, Philippines – Brian Viloria and Omar Nino Romero know each other too well they won?t have to size each other up on May 13 at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig.
They fought twice in 2006, and it took six years to set up a third clash. Viloria, the reigning WBC flyweight champion, said he just can?t wait.
?I?m just excited I wish it could have been tomorrow,? said Viloria during a phone patch interview from his training quarters in Los Angeles.
Solar Sports set up the exclusive interview for the press yesterday at its new headquarters in Mandaluyong City.
Viloria is deep into training, and is flying in on Friday from LA. Romero is coming in from Mexico with his team members two days later.
Romero outpointed Viloria for the WBC light-flyweight crown the first time they met in August 2006. The rematch that came just three months later ended in a draw.
But Romero failed the post-fight drug test, and the bout that took place at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas was ruled as a no-contest.
Viloria said Romero failing the drug test put some personal touch on their rivalry.
?Yes it?s personal because we have history with each other. There?s something to clear in my head. This is the fight I really wanted, give me the chance to clear the slate with Nino,? he said.
And because of this, Viloria said he expects a tougher fight from 35-year-old Mexican, who at his age may be out to prove that he really has Viloria?s number.
?The most dangerous fighters are the one who?s desperate because they have nothing to lose. I know the best Nino will come out.
?And he may think that he hasthe edge in me because he beat me in the past,? added Viloria, 31, who has won four in a row after a painful loss to Carlos Tamara in Panama.
However, Viloria said things should change now because he feels he?s more confortable at 112 lbs.
?I feel better in this weight division. I feel great,? he said without guaranteeing anything.
?But I don?t know. I don?t overlook my opponent especially Nino because he?s tricky. He?ll box you. I don?t want to second look Nino at this point. I don?t have a future if I don?t get past him.?
