WHAT IS NEXT FOR BRIAN VILORIA?
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 22 Feb 2006
IF plans push through, Brian Viloria will be defending his title on the same card as the peppery champion who fought before him last Sunday (in Manila) at the Aladdin Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The fighter’s manager Gary Gittelsohn said they are grooming Viloria and World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight champion Ivan Calderon of Puerto Rico as future rivals.
Calderon outclassed Isaac Bustos of Mexico before Viloria’s unanimous decision triumph over another Mexican Jose Antonio Aguirre.
One of the options is for Viloria to defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight title in Calderon’s homeland.
“There’s a lot of interest in Viloria-Calderon fight,” said Gittelsohn. “Calderon is planning to move up in the light flyweight division. They’re both Olympians and undefeated.”
Calderon sports a 25-0 record. He was nicknamed “Iron Boy” because of his endurance. The 31-year-old won 20 of his fights by unanimous decision.
Viloria and Calderon have met four times as amateur boxers with the “Hawaiian Punch” prevailing thrice.
“They know each other well enough to start a rivalry,” said Calderon.
If everything falls into place for the son of Ilocano couple from Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, the megabuck duel with interim WBC flyweight champion Jorge Arce of Mexico may come sooner than later.
Arce was at ringside to watch Viloria’s first title-defense and expressed willingness to rumble with the latter anytime, anywhere.
“I’ll fight Viloria even on his backyard,” said Arce, conqueror of Filipino pugs Juanito Rubilliar (twice) and Jovan Presbitero.
Viloria is also raring to go.
“He (Arce) is a great fighter and a respected champion,” said Viloria. “Anyone who knows boxing knows that it would be an unbelievable fight. That’s the kind of fight I want to be in. it’s the kind of fight I have to be in.”
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Brico Santig Wins IBF “Most Active Promoter” Award
Thu, 28 May 2026FOSTER AND FORD IN FIERY FACE-OFF IN HOUSTON
Thu, 28 May 2026Tank Davis could return later this year
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 28 May 2026GM Joey Antonio to compete in Asean Sr chessfest in Singapore
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 28 May 2026Murat Gassiev to defend his WBA Heavyweight crown against Yoka at IBA PRO 19
Thu, 28 May 2026‘Not a Kid Anymore.’ Edward Vazquez Talks About How He’s Matured While Training to Face Daniel Lugo on ProBoxTV in Friday, June 5, Main Event
Thu, 28 May 2026Remulla, Ferrer, Matro to grace Cavite Inter-Town Chess Tournament this weekend
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 28 May 2026McHugh next for Dy
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 27 May 2026Sweat, Smiles & Strategy: Ador Torres Helps Tim Tszyu Sharpen Up for Errol Spence
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 27 May 2026Benavidez receives the Tollan Tlatequi WBC belt in Mexico City
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 27 May 2026Llover ready to fight Angeletti on June 6
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 27 May 2026Tyson Fury could return in Dublin on August 1st
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 27 May 2026Long After the Cheers: Luisito Espinosa…Battle of Manila Bay 2…and an Unofficial World Record Worth Remembering
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Wed, 27 May 2026Undefeated Knockout Artist Jordan Orozco (16-0, 16 KOs) Continues Rapid Ascent as One of Boxing’s Most Exciting Young Stars
Wed, 27 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Secures 13 Medals at 2026 Copa America
Wed, 27 May 2026