DONAIRE AND VILORIA: TALE OF TWO FIL-AMS
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 10 Jan 2008
Hawaiian-born Fil-Am Brian Viloria wanted to challenge IBF/IBO flyweight champ Nonito Donaire if there is an opportunity. He defeated both Nonito in the finals and brother Glenn in the semi-finals of the 2000 US Olympic Trials. The decision against Nonito was controversial.
In protest, Nonito refused to leave the ring after the defeat to Viloria, and said ?I felt that my brother and I won our fights, but with the favoritism towards Viloria, it made it nearly impossible to secure a victory." After the 2000 Olympics, Viloria?s star shone as his style was compared to the sensational Michael Carbajal.
Donaire, who resides in San Leandro, California, but was born in General Santos City, won the IBF/IBO flyweight title with a 5th round knockout of undefeated Vic Darchinyan on July 7, 2007. This victory was awarded as the Ring Magazine's "Knockout of the Year" and "Upset of the Year."
On December 1, 2007, Donaire defended his title against Luis Maldonado of Mexico by a sensational technical knockout in the 8th round in his first title defense to keep his crown. His record now stands at 19-1 (12 KOs).
On September 10, 2005, Viloria won the WBC light-flyweight title by knocking out Eric Ortiz in the first round. He defended it once successfully against Jose Antonio Aguirre but was defeated by Mexican Omar Ni?o Romero by decision.
In a rematch held at Las Vegas, Nevada, Romero fought Viloria to a controversial majority draw decision as Viloria managed to knock down the Mexican twice. The title had become vacant after Romero failed a post-fight drug test following the rematch which was declared a no contest.
Fighting as a superflyweight for the first time, Viloria, recently won an eight-round decision over Jose Garcia Bernal in Los Angeles, California. Viloria?s record is now 20-2 with 12 KOs and dropped Bernal with a body shot early in the final round enroute to his victory. All three judges scored identical 78-72 for Viloria.
Today, Donaire does not want to talk anymore about a possible professional match with Viloria, but it was the Hawaiian Punch who kept on targeting the Filipino Flash as his next foe to erase the Olympic Trial controversy once and for all. As of now, Donaire sets his sights on unifying the flyweight crown.
In the event the two Fil-Ams will collide, it will be an interesting box-office hit, as they will be bringing with them an enduring argument during their amateur days, with the slot in the 2000 US Olympic boxing team which was at stake. Another honor to be disputed is who will be the best Filipino flyweight fighter at present.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
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