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:
Herlan Gomez faces Dekang Wang for WBA Asia Superbamtam Title Today in Kunming, China
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Queensberry Promotions to sue SELA and TKO?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 26 Feb 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev promises prize money for boxers at LA 2028 if the IOC doesn’t change their policy towards athletes’ rewards
Thu, 26 Feb 2026Ruben Castillo, The uncrowned champion passes away
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Return of Ryan Garcia
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 25 Feb 2026“It’s moments a kid dreams off.” Sam Rennie returns for title challenge March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Wed, 25 Feb 2026‘It’s going to be a great fight and most importantly looking forward to the 10 pints together after it’ Billy Quinncroft challenges for Cruiserweight title March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Wed, 25 Feb 2026Magdalena Contreras Municipality and WBC start "Boxing for Peace" in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 25 Feb 2026United States Captures Four More Wins on Day Two of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
Wed, 25 Feb 2026Date set for Manny-Money 2
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Knockout Artist Sugar Martinez (17-0, 17 KOs) Makes His US Debut Against Philly Veteran Daiyan Butt
Wed, 25 Feb 2026IM Yap outwits GM Gareyev, shares lead; Maribao split the point with GM Quizon in Round 3 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 25 Feb 20262 Division World Champion José Luis Castillo Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Wed, 25 Feb 2026Doors open for Manny
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 24 Feb 2026MEXICAN TITANS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD HIGHLIGHTING CINCO DE MAYO WEEKEND IN LAS VEGAS!
Tue, 24 Feb 2026