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:
Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and Undefeated Rising Prospect Robert Guerrero Jr. to Appear at 3rd Annual Battle of the Trades on April 25
Thu, 23 Apr 2026WBC WORLD CHAMPION DALTON SMITH SIGNS NEW LONG-TERM CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH EDDIE HEARN’S MATCHROOM BOXING
Thu, 23 Apr 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Team Swept Day Two of World Boxing Cup - Stage 1
Thu, 23 Apr 2026FAELDONIA & NGO RULE STA. FE, ROMBLON, TABLAS OPEN CHESS TOURNAMENT
Thu, 23 Apr 2026Manny Pacquiao Chess Philippines heads to Okada, Manila
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 23 Apr 2026May 16: Kelvin Davis-Peter Dobson Welterweight Clash & Yan Santana-Cristian Cruz Featherweight Battle Added to Keyshawn Davis-Nahir Albright II Card LIVE on DAZN
Wed, 22 Apr 2026World Super Flyweight contender John ‘Scrappy’ Ramirez waiting for Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez’ final decision
Wed, 22 Apr 2026Former champ Lawrence Okolie tested positive in VADA testing
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 22 Apr 2026Salim Ellis-Bey Secures Win for Team USA on Day One of World Boxing Cup - Stage 1
Wed, 22 Apr 2026Garcia, Young, Gatus banner tough field in 20th Philippine Xiangqi Open Tournament on May 1
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 22 Apr 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION APRIL 20 APRIL 2026: Baumgardner Outpoints Shin, Retains IBF/WBA/WBO 130 Lb Titles; Daniels Stops Green in 9; Lorente SD Collins in WBC Welter Eliminator
By Eric Armit, Tue, 21 Apr 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Year of Memories Between the Ring and Faith
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Tue, 21 Apr 2026High Stakes in Ufa: Subkhankulov and Usmonov Clash for IBF #2 Spot
By Dong Secuya, Tue, 21 Apr 2026Elorde Jr. is new PBF president
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 21 Apr 2026Ancajas wins 1st bout as feather
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 21 Apr 2026