Viloria severs ties with promoter

Advertiser Staff

Boxer Brian Viloria has negotiated his release from promoter Lou DiBella and expects to sign with a new promoter within two weeks, manager Gary Gittelsohn said yesterday.

Viloria, who signed a four-year contract with DiBella after representing the U. S. in the 2000 Olympics, severed ties Friday after an on-going dispute between DiBella and Gittelsohn over television appearances and opponents.

Gittelsohn apparently wanted DiBella to come through with some fights on HBO under the terms of the contract and DiBella wanted Viloria to step up in competition.

Gittelsohn said, "We couldn't reach agreement on things we both thought there should be agreement on."

New York-based DiBella called the release, "a business decision."

DiBella said: "We worked out an amicable separation and I still think incredibly highly of Brian Viloria. I think he's a great kid and has a great deal of potential as a fighter and I wish him nothing but the best."

Gittelsohn said "DiBella paid Brian a sum of money and gave him a release."

The unbeaten Viloria (13-0, 8 knockouts) hasn't fought since a first-round knockout of Luis Doria on ESPN2 in July.

Gittelsohn said he expects Viloria to fight, "as soon as possible, certainly in January."

Gittelsohn said he has been in contact with several prospective promoters on a "three or four" year deal for Viloria.