Posted on: Thursday, March 15, 2001

Viloria considers launching pro boxing career

By Curtis Murayama
Advertiser Sports Editor

Waipahu's Olympic boxer Brian Viloria, 20, is expected to turn pro, and will if "everything falls into place," according to his father, Ben.

"He wants to turn pro, but if the contract is not what we want, then there is no reason for him to become a pro. Nothing's concrete," Ben Viloria said yesterday.

"I, as a father, want everything to fall in place. ... terms of the contract is what I'm looking for."

Viloria's plans to turn pro have been speculated since the 2000 Sydney Olympics in September.

Viloria, the first Hawai'i boxer to compete in the Olympics since 1956, was the gold medal favorite in the 106-pound class. However, he lost in the second round to France's Brahim Asloum, the eventual gold medal winner.

According to his father, Viloria did not return to Northern Michigan University after the Olympics, and is trying to transfer to "USC or UCLA."

The Vilorias are negotiating with a group in Los Angeles, where Viloria is expected to train.

A TV deal with ESPN also might be in the works, but Ben Viloria said if they want to sell a product, then "I want to make sure my product is well taken care of."

"Everything has to be OK, this is a big-time business."

Viloria reportedly would make his debut, possibly on the same card with former Hawai'i boxer Jesus Salud, in May. Pearl Harbor is a possible site.

"It's still in negotiations," said his father.

A spokesman for the Hawai'i State Boxing Commission said no one has yet requested a date at Pearl Harbor and there is no license application pending for Viloria.