Viloria's opponent plans to slug it out
By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer
Valentin Leon is either really brave or really good.
The boxer from Mexico City promised yesterday that he will not run from Waipahu's Brian Viloria in the main event of a six-bout card tonight at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.
Viloria and Leon will meet in a flyweight bout (112 pounds) scheduled for 10 rounds. Viloria's titles — the NABF flyweight championship and WBC Youth championship — will not be at stake.
"I will stay in there and fight," Leon said. "I know (Viloria) is a strong fighter and an ex-Olympian, but I want to show that I can punch, too."
Viloria (11-0 with six knockouts) has already developed a reputation as one of the strongest punchers in the flyweight division. He won his last three bouts by decision, mostly because the opponents elected to circle the ring to avoid his knockout punch.
Leon (14-5) also has six knockouts, but has been knocked out three times. What's more, Leon is moving up in weight class to fight Viloria. Leon, who normally fights at 105 pounds, weighed in at 112 1/2 last night; Viloria was 113 (in non-title bouts, the fighters can be one pound over the limit).
"It's not that much of a difference," Leon said of his weight gain. "I had lots of time, three months, to get ready for this. I am ready."
So is Viloria. He has studied film of Leon and said: "He's a tough guy. He hangs in there."
Viloria and trainer Freddie Roach said they found "a few flaws" in Leon's fighting style, and hope to take advantage of it.
"He has a conventional style; up and up," Viloria said. "But we saw some things there that we think we can capitalize on."
Leon might not be as prepared — at least not as far as studying is concerned. He said he never watches film of his opponents, and was not about to start with Viloria.
"I like to take the opponent in the ring," he said.
Instead, Leon said he trained for Viloria by sparring against much bigger opponents, some as heavy as 140 pounds.
"He took all their punches and he punched right with them," said Agustin Tapia, Leon's assistant. "It gave him more strength and more confidence."
Leon has not fought since losing a 10-round decision to Ivan Calderon, a former Olympian from Puerto Rico, last December. According to Tapia, Leon accepted that bout on five days' notice, and was not aware that Calderon was left-handed.
"(Leon) wasn't in shape and he didn't practice to face a lefty," Tapia said. "But he still went the whole way. That's why he has more confidence this time — he had more time to get ready."
Leon even said that tonight would not be the biggest bout of his career. He said his losses to Calderon and Isaac Bustos — top-ranked contenders in the 105-pound division — would be more significant than a loss to Viloria.
"Everybody is talking about Viloria. I like that, I like to be the underdog," said Leon, 23. "I want to be the one to surprise everybody."
Viloria is wary of Leon's confidence, and hopes it leads to an exciting bout for his home state fans.
"I hope he does come at me," Viloria said. "That would suit my style. I much rather stay in and box than chase a guy around."
Preliminaries: Five bouts are on the undercard, and each will feature at least one Hawai'i boxer.
In order of scheduled appearance:
Wai'anae's Rodney Joseph (no record) will face Kalihi's Mark Mariko (no record) in a four-round heavyweight bout.
Jay Saribay (no record) of Kalihi will meet Travis Tandel (no record) of Kaimuki in a four-round lightweight fight.
Jerry Saribay (3-3, 2 KOs) of Kalihi will face Hilo's John Lopez (6-6, 3 KOs) in a 6-round super lightweight bout.
In a six-round heavyweight fight featuring heavy hitters, Tali Kulihaapai (8-3, 7 KOs) of Honolulu will take on John Clark (4-2, 4 KOs) of Los Angeles.
Eric Alexander (18-7, 13 KOs) of Kalihi will fight Calvin Odom (11-4, 8 KOs) in a six-round welterweight bout that will precede the main event.
