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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, June 3, 2004

Not fight of his life, but close

 •  Viloria steps up training with visions of title shot

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Columnist

You could make the point that since he is fighting for only the second time in nearly 11 months just about any bout qualifies as a big one for Brian Viloria.

But tomorrow's main event appearance on ESPN2 is of more import than most for the Olympian from Waipahu.

After the slowest start to any year of his accomplished boxing career, Viloria (14-0, 8 knockouts) needs to make the "Friday Night Fights" showing one of his better showings for a lot of reasons. After playing a waiting game for most of the past year, the stakes rise significantly any time he does step in the ring.

The scheduled 12-rounder, which is expected to go on about 4:30 p.m. (the card begins at 3 p.m.), according to ESPN, is to be Viloria's fourth defense of the North American Boxing Federation flyweight title. But in the grand scheme of things, the crown isn't the biggest thing riding on the bout at the Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson, Ariz.

Not when hopes for a world title fight loom on the horizon. Not when the prospect of more television appearances and the still-lingering possibility of a promotional deal with Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Inc., which is promoting this card in conjunction with ESPN, are all on the table.

Viloria said the possibility of an Aug. 21 return to Hawai'i to fight on a card with heavyweight David Tua has been dangled tantalizingly in front of him. He said he has been told there could be a world title fight sooner rather than later and that Home Box Office has interest in showing him.

All of which could be enhanced by an impressive victory over Gilberto Keb Baas (22-10-1, 14 KOs) of Mexico — or short-circuited by a loss.

The importance of the moment is not lost on Viloria, the fourth-ranked flyweight contender, according to the World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council. "Hopefully, this is a stepping stone for me," Viloria said. "I don't overlook any of my fights, but I want to get this win and, hopefully, look good doing it."

It is an opportunity given urgency by recent events. Or, more correctly, a lack of events. After stopping Luis Doria in the first round in July and undergoing a fallout with his previous promoter and some fight cancellations, Viloria has had but one bout, a unanimous decision over Keb Baas' brother, Juan Alfonso, in February.

"I'm in great shape — mentally and physically," Viloria said.

If rust isn't a problem after so much waiting, motivation shouldn't be one, either. Not with all that figures to be riding on this one.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.