On November 18th, Brian Viloria gets his chance for redemption against Omar Nino, the man who took his title only a few months ago. Jeffrey Cabauatan looks at Viloria’s career so far, and where it can go from here with a victory over Nino in their rematch.
It’s been a tumultuous year for Brian Viloria. A little over a year ago, he defeated Eric Ortiz in a stunning first round knockout to win his first world title. With the Philippines flag draped around his shoulders, the new champion was overwhelmed with joy. It was amazing seeing him reach the pinnacle of his career especially when four months prior to that fight, Brian was uncertain with his future due to the tragic bout he had with Ruben Contreras (Contreras required surgery to stop a hemorrhage around his brain).
As they say, winning changes everything. In the case of Brian Viloria, it meant instant superstardom in the Philippines. He was embraced in his native land and was a guest on many television shows.
For his first title defense, Viloria faced rugged veteran Jose Antonio Aguirre who was on a two losing streak. It was supposed to be an easy fight, and Viloria was even heard making a prediction that he would take him out in four rounds. However Aguirre showed up to that fight a motivated fighter. For the first six rounds, he was able to stay competitive with Brian simply by using his will and guts. But as the fight wore on, the wide discrepancy in talent between the two fighters became apparent. Viloria was too quick, too accurate, and too powerful. He slowed down Aguirre with his attack to the body. In the last six rounds, Villoria painted a master piece on Aguirre’s face. Aguirre suffered tremendous punishment in the course of twelve rounds, and Viloria was awarded a decisive points win.
After that fight, Koki Kameda (Japan) won the WBA Jr. Flyweight title, and the Japanese media began frequenting the Wild Card Gym in hopes of generating interest in a mega showdown with the Hawaiian punch. For Viloria, there was only one man who stood on the way of that unification fight, and that was Omar Nino.
Omar Nino was supposed to be a stepping stone to a big money fight, much like Carlos Baldomir was to Zab Judah earlier this year. Just like Baldomir, Nino spoiled the party by catching the unprepared unmotivated Viloria sleeping on him.
From the first round, Viloria did not look like the aggressive fighter that people had become accustom to. It was odd seeing the slower fighter be first at everything. Nino was first with the jab, body attack, right hand, and initiating contact. When you looked at Viloria’s eyes, it seemed as though his mind was somewhere else. Nino made a valiant effort to not be fazed by Viloria’s power and continued to outwork the champion. His valiant effort won him the unanimous decision and the WBC belt.
Not to discredit Nino’s effort, but Brian Viloria lost that fight just as much as Nino beat him. His inability to apply his jab was evident as he landed less than twenty jabs in the entire fight. He also allowed himself to get outworked by a much slower fighter, both on the inside and sat range on the outside. There seemed to be hesitation on Viloria’s punches as though he didn’t want to hurt his opponent. Brian Viloria just stood inside the allowing his opponent to outwork him, occasionally throwing combinations.
After the fight, there were rumors going around that Viloria might be done with boxing. Maybe his heart is not in the game anymore and that can be very dangerous, especially in this sport. However, the rumor was quickly shot down. Over a week ago it was announced Viloria agreed to an immediate rematch with Nino where he will attempt to avenge his lackluster performance.
On November 18th, underneath the much anticipated Morales vs. Pacquiao rubber match lies a fight that has a potential to match the excitement of main event. In their first meeting, Viloria looked timid and unwilling to engage, but he admitted that he had the wrong game plan in his post fight interview. At least he realized where he’d gone wrong.
The defeat cost Viloria his title, but more damaging was how he let his fans down by simply not putting the effort in the ring. The difference between their upcoming rematch and the previous fight is the mentality going in. Viloria had nothing to gain or prove when he was preparing for Nino. This time, he has to regain his championship belt and his pride. Pride is what this fight will be about. The fight will not be a big money fight or a career defining, yet Viloria still took this rematch. That beyond anything else says that he truly wants to prove that he can beat Nino. Expect the same hungry Viloria that knocked out Eric Ortiz to show up to this one.
Come November 18th, the old Hawaiian Punch that struck fear in his opponent’s eyes will once again return. With that fire burning in his eyes, he will look to deliver the same aggressiveness, counter punching, and movement that once put him on top of the game. When you realize what you have lose, it will only make you that much hungrier to win it back.
