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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Viloria foe tests positive for meth

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writer

Brian Viloria

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Brian Viloria's corner welcomed news that the Nevada State Athletic Commission will hold a hearing into an allegation his opponent, Omar Nino, tested positive for methamphetamine for their Nov. 18 bout and wants the World Boxing Council to award the light-flyweight championship to the Hawai'i fighter.

Nino (24-2-2, 10 knockouts) retained the title on a controversial 12-round majority draw in Las Vegas.

Gary Gittelsohn, Viloria's manager, said he believed Viloria (19-1-1, 12 KOs) won the bout and the commission's review validates that contention. "We played by the rules," Gittelsohn said. "He didn't."

Gittelsohn said urine samples were taken immediately after the fight from both fighters, "and he (Nino) got caught red-handed."

Keith Kizer, the commission's executive officer, said he filed a complaint with the commission in conjunction with the state attorney general's office based upon the report of a failed urine test. Kizer said a hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday in Las Vegas at which Nino will likely receive a temporary suspension until a full review can be made.

"These are just allegations," Kizer said. "We had a positive drug test and (Nino) will have more than ample opportunity to tell us what happened and why the test came back the way it did."

Depending upon the findings of the review, which Kizer said would probably take place in January, the seven-member commission could issue a longer suspension, fine or declare the bout "no contest."

Gittelsohn said after the fight he believed Nino fought "ramped-up" and a "stronger" fight than their first meeting — "and now we know why." Because of the allegation that "(Nino) used an illegal stimulant," Gittelsohn said he believes the WBC, "should award the title to Brian."

Kizer said only the WBC has the authority to strip Nino of the title, award Viloria the crown, declare the position vacant or order a rematch.

Viloria and Nino tied 113-113 on the scorecards of two judges and Nino was a 115-112 winner on the card of a third judge.

Nino won the title from Viloria by unanimous decision in August. Kizer said Nino had a "clean" drug test at that time. Kizer said Nevada tests for steroids, stimulants and so-called street drugs.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com.