OFFENSE COULD BE BRIAN VILORIA'S BEST DEFENSE
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 11 Aug 2006
OFFENSE could be Brian Viloria's best defense when he takes on Mexican challenger Omar Nino Romero in their World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight title fight Thursday night (Friday morning in Manila) at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Viloria's trainer Freddie Roach wants the champion to attack early and often.
"I don’t want Brian pulling back from this guy," Roach said. "I like Brian best when he’s aggressive and let's the big shots go, not when he’s laying back and countering. If he backs up and lets this guy come forward, it will be to the other guy’s
advantage."
Romero's record looks impressive with 23 wins, including 10 by knockout, two defeats and one draw. His biggest catch is fellow Mexican and current WBC flyweight ruler Jorge Arce. They're both undefeated in four fights when Romero stopped Arce in just one round.
Roach had seen some of Romero's fights on tape and described the native of Guadalajara, Mexico as a tough, come-forward fighter, slow but dangerous with a looping right hand.
But he's quick to point out that both of Romero's defeats came inside the distance. "He's no bullet-proof," Roach said. "Brian's hand speed and power will be very critical in this fight."
Viloria, a proud son of Filipino parents, knows exactly what to do. His 19-0 card includes 12 knockout wins.
But his manager Gary Gittelsohn doesn't sound too confident.
"There is no easy fight in this division," Viloria's manager Gary Gittelsohn said. "This guy (Romero) will be in the fight."
It will be Viloria's second defense of the title he won over Eric Ortiz last year. He decisioned Jose Antonio Aguirre last February on his first title defense.
The Viloria-Romero title bout will be shown on wide screen at the Robinson's Galleria Fountain Area and at Tastebuds in Robinson's Place Manila starting 10 a.m. Solar Sports, home of Filipino boxing champions, will telecast the fights also starting 10 a.m. with replays at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. the following day.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
ANTHONY JOSHUA VS KRISTIAN PRENGA TO TAKE PLACE IN JEDDAH ON JULY 25 – LIVE ON DAZN – AS HEAVYWEIGHTS FACE-OFF IN LONDON
Tue, 02 Jun 2026Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki Gets a kick out of British sports fans
Tue, 02 Jun 2026GUSTAVO TRUJILLO CONTINUES HEAVYWEIGHT ASCENT WITH DEVASTATING FIRST-ROUND TKO
Mon, 01 Jun 2026Boxing Insider Promotions Brings Regional Card to Tropicana Atlantic City on Saturday, June 13
Mon, 01 Jun 2026Chess, in whatever form, is a great equalizer
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 01 Jun 2026UNBEATEN CRIZTIAN PITT LAURENTE RETURNS TO FACE JING AGUAN IN A LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT HEADLINING SANMAN 101
Mon, 01 Jun 2026Lebosada, Sia rule DSA Open golf
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 01 Jun 2026Davao Chess Eagles in FIDE World Team Rapid & Blitz in Hong Kong
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 01 Jun 2026Pido retains crown, Pulleda wins
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 01 Jun 2026Juarez defeats Valle by split decision to retain WBC belt in El Paso,Texas
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 31 May 2026Jose Sulaiman's 95th birthday is being celebrated with events around the world
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 31 May 2026Filipino referee Danrex Tapdasan is now one of the IBF board of directors
Sun, 31 May 2026Cavite Inter-Town Chess Tournament gets underway
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 31 May 2026Lieutenant Delfin Boholst: Soldier, Boxing Coach, Mentor
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 30 May 2026O’Shaquie Foster vs Raymond Ford: Bad Blood Equals Good Fight
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 30 May 2026