Viloria not in ESPN plan

Advertiser Staff and News Services

ESPN plans to upgrade its boxing programming by adding pay-per-view fights to go along with its Friday night fight series next year.

The network announced a deal with promoter Main Events Inc. yesterday for a series of fight cards that will include two pay-per-view events.

"The accepted model when you get to a certain level of fighter has been pay-per-view," said John Wildhack, ESPN senior vice president of programming. "We think it makes sense for us to be in this business."

ESPN has had a regular Friday night boxing show on ESPN2, but the deal with Main Events calls for the promoter to upgrade some of those cards to feature more marquee fighters represented by the company.

One such fighter not in the initial plans is world-ranked flyweight Brian Viloria of Waipahu, according to a Main Events spokesman.

"But if the right fight comes along he would definitely be considered," Donald Tremblay said. "All fighters and fights will be considered."

An average of one show a month or so will feature up-and-coming Main Events fighters or a pay-per-view show, and ESPN is expected to pay more for the rights fee than it currently pays promoters to air fights.

The deal kicks off with a Nov. 4 show that features WBA lightweight champion Juan Diaz fighting Julian Lorcy.