Viloria fights for first world title June 18

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writer

VILORIA: To fight Franky Soto in California

Viloria (7-0) has signed to meet Franky Soto (13-5) of Mexico in a scheduled 10-round bout for the vacant World Boxing Council youth flyweight title June 18, according to California-based Golden Boy Inc., promoters of the card.

The bout will be featured on ESPN2's "Tuesday Night Fights" series as a co-main event with the Danny Perez-Hector Quiroz welterweight bout in Del Mar, Calif.

Because Viloria and Soto are both younger than 23, they are eligible to fight for the youth title.

The bout represents a significant jump for Viloria, who has fought beyond four rounds just once in his career, a six-round unanimous decision in November. Since then, all three of his bouts have ended with knockouts in four rounds or less.

His last bout, in May at Blaisdell Arena, was scheduled for eight rounds but lasted just 38 seconds when Viloria knocked out Sandro Oviedo.

"This fight is more of a calculated risk for Brian," said Gary Gittelsohn, Viloria's manager. "Soto is a very dangerous fighter with a lot of power but Brian is looking better at this stage than we ever anticipated. Brian continues to amaze us. From what he showed and everything we're seeing in the gym, he should be ready for this."

Viloria said, "Everybody — my trainers, the people in the gym — tell me I'm ready for this fight. I'm in shape. I've been going eight, 10 rounds in sparring. I feel ready, too."