Viloria's next fight could be in Hawai'i

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writer

Brian Viloria is preparing to bring his next fight back home, according to his manager.

Gary Gittelsohn said an April 15 bout in Honolulu is in the works for Viloria, who may try to add to his WBC youth flyweight and North American Boxing Federation flyweight titles. A United States Boxing Association bout is reportedly under consideration for the Viloria (11-0, 6 knockouts).

"There are a couple of things that remain to be worked out, but the (show) is coming together real fast at this point," Gittelsohn said.

The former Olympian from Waipahu last appeared here in a May 17 bout at Blaisdell Arena, where he knocked out Sandro Oviedo in the first round.

Gittelsohn said the upcoming bout, against a still-to-be-named opponent, would likely take place "at a smaller, more intimate venue than Blaisdell." He said several sights are under consideration by promoters.

Viloria, the World Boxing Council's ninth-ranked flyweight, last fought Jan. 12, when he retained his NABF title with a unanimous 12-round decision over Alejandro Moreno on ESPN2. Gittelsohn said Viloria is "back to 100 percent" after suffering a bruised right hand in the Moreno bout.

The undercard for the planned April 15 show is expected to feature local fighters, pending approval by the Hawai'i State Boxing Commission. A cable television deal is being explored.