BOXING

Viloria fighting in Mexico next week

By Billy Hull
bhull@starbulletin.com

Brian Viloria's busy 2008 will continue with his third fight already this year.

The former WBC world light flyweight champion will take on Marino Montiel a week from today in Aguascalientes, Mexico, on the undercard of a Top Rank pay-per-view event featuring Jorge Arce and Julio Caesar Chavez Jr. It will be Viloria's first professional fight outside of the United States.

Viloria (21-2) hasn't fought more than three times in a year since '02, but manager Gary Gittelsohn says it's part of his plan to get him a world title fight by December.

"My intention with Brian is to get him a lot of work this year to keep him busy at least every two months," Gittelsohn said. "After this fight, I'll know where he is on that development scale. If I feel he's now ready to move into a world title opportunity, we'll do that."

Viloria's fight with Montiel will be at a catch weight of 112 to 113 pounds. He's weighed in at 111 1/2 and 115 1/2 for his fights earlier this year, both eight-round, unanimous-decision victories.

Montiel (30-12-1) generally fights at weights heavier than Viloria, but Gittelsohn says it's the appropriate opponent for Viloria at this time.

"I've seen (Montiel) fight before and I know we have (Viloria) in with a durable guy that will give him rounds," Gittelsohn said. "I'm hoping he'll give him at least six to 10 hard rounds."



BACK TO TOP
© Honolulu Star-Bulletin -- https://archives.starbulletin.com
Tools




E-mail Sports Dept.