Tickets go on sale tomorrow for the Tom Moffatt produced fight card that features local Olympic star Brian Viloria in a 10-round flyweight bout with Valentin Leon. Tickets for Viloria
bout on sale tomorrowViloria has an 11-0 record with six knockouts as a professional. Leon is 14-5 with six knockouts and is a quality opponent for the Waipahu product.
"I'm happy to be able to fight in Hawaii again," said Viloria, a member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic team. "I've been working very hard in the gym, and I'm looking forward to showing ... how I've improved."
Currently ranked fifth by the WBC and sixth by the WBO, Viloria's progress has surprised many, but not promoter Lou DiBella.
"I always knew that when it was time to raise the bar for Brian that he would deliver," said DiBella. "He is, in my mind, the best American flyweight ... since Michael Carbajal."
But even though Viloria is on the verge of breaking through to a worldwide audience, he won't forget his home fans.
"One of the conditions Brian insisted upon when he signed his professional contract was that we fight regularly in Hawaii," said Viloria's manager Gary Gittelsohn. "Brian loves his home state, and intends to honor his fans with a world title next year."
Viloria's first step will be the April 15 bout against Leon, a tough native of Mexico who is looking to spoil Viloria's homecoming. Tickets are $75 (ringside), $50 (reserved) and $25 (general admission). They will be available at Ticketmaster locations or by calling 877-750-4400 or logging on at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available at the Blaisdell box office, selected Foodland and Sack-n-Save stores.
Rainbow Wahine lose to Pacific in softball
Starting pitcher Melissa Coogan gave up five runs - one earned - in 423 innings as Hawaii lost 8-3 to Pacific yesteday on the opening day of the Hawaii Softball Invitational.The Tigers (16-11) got home runs from Brandy Thurman and Ashlie D'Errico to beat the RainbowWahine (15-11).
In the day's first two games, Ohio State beat Tokyo Women's College 7-2 and Wisconsin defeated Tokyo 5-3.