Brian Viloria to inaugurate boxing gym in Vigan

VIGAN CITY, Philippines – The Brian Viloria Boxing Club and Training Gym will be inaugurated here on May 3 by no less than the man behind it, the former World Boxing Council light flyweight champ, who traces his roots to Ilocos Sur. Viloria will thus fulfil a promise he made to aspiring Ilocano boxers three years ago on his triumphant homecoming here, Vigan Mayor Eva Grace Singson-Medina said on Thursday. Viloria also promised to get trainers from the United States to train the boxers. The equipment and ring are expected to be first-class. Though his father was born in Narvacan town, Viloria was adopted by Vigan in 2005. He himself was born in Honolulu on November 24, 1980 – earning him the moniker "The Hawaiian Punch." Undefeated when he came home in 20 professional fights, Viloria tasted his first defeat in August 2006 in the hands of Mexican Omar Nino Romero. Romero again defeated Viloria in a controversial draw in November 2006, although Romero was stripped off the title after being tested positive for methamphetamines. Viloria again lost to Edgar Sosa for the vacant WBC post in April 2007. But since then, Viloria managed to rise again with a victory against Mexicans Jose Garcia Bernal last January and Cesar Lopez last February. - GMANews.TV