By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Macau – World Boxing Organization/World Boxing Association flyweight champion Brian Viloria said he is taking nothing for granted when he battles Mexican warrior Juan Francisco Estrada at the 15,000-seat Cotai Arena of the fantastic Venitian Macao Resort Hotel late Saturday night here in the gaming capital of Asia.
Viloria tipped the scales at 111.2 pounds, while Estrada who was reportedly having problems making the weight, was covered by a white sheet, as he stepped on the scales at the plush Venetian theater and checked in at exactly 112 pounds.
“I am expecting a toe-to-toe fight. A hard barn-burner,” Viloria told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard and ABS-CBN. “I will counter with a smart fight. I’m going to pace right off the bat and not let his youth and aggressiveness take over and try to disrupt my fight plan.”
Although Estrada was slightly taller and looked ripped and ready, Viloria exuded quiet confidence and said that he is used to fighting taller opponents and it won’t be a problem.
The two-division, three-time world champion added: “I’ll do what I do best because at this age (31), I have to use my head. I have all the tools I need to use. I will unleash everything and let my hands go.”
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told Manila Standard he plans to put Viloria on more fight cards in Asia. He believes that one year from now, if his new find, two-time Olympic gold medalist Zou Shiming goes places, he will then put Viloria and the Chinese star in a world title fight, giving the Filipino a huge payday.
But waiting in the wings impatiently is undefeated, No. 1-ranked Milan Melindo, who is eager to put on an impressive performance against Indonesia’s Tommy Seran and help convince WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel, who will be at ringside, to make sure he gets a title shot.
