By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim welcomed International Boxing Federation (IBF) Light Flyweight Champion Brian “The Hawaiian Punch” Viloria and World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Flyweight Champion “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona at the Bulwagang Villegas at City Hall when the world champions paid a courtesy call on the Mayor after which they held a press conference and were honored by a motorcade.

Viloria was accompanied by his girlfriend, Erica Navarro while Sonsona was accompanied his parents, trainer, manager and his promoter Sammy Gello-ani as well as WBO vice-president Leon Panoncillo.

Lim congratulated Viloria and Sonsona for their heroic performances saying “they gave our country a name as well as honor and made all of us proud, happy and excited. Let us pray that they will be victorious in many ore fights.”

Viloria successfully defended his IBF crown against a tough challenger Jesus Iribe at the  Blaisdell Center in  Honolulu , Hawaii by a 12-round decision.  Sonsona, the youngest Filipino Champion, dropped the rugged Puerto Rican super flyweight champion Jose “Carita” Lopez in the 4th round en route to a handsome twelve round decision to win the WBO title at Casino Rama in Ontario , Canada .

The two Filipino champs humbled themselves when a thought to be the successor of Both Viloria and Sonsona paid tribute to boxing hero Manny Pacquiao stating it is hard to surpass what Pacquiao has achieved. Sonsona said  “I think there would only be one Manny Pacquiao.  I think none of us could replace Manny Pacquiao.  Maybe what we could do is to aspire to be the first Marvelous Marvin Sonsona or the first Brian Viloria.”

For his part Viloria said is Manny Pacquiao “ wants us to aspire, to become our best.  And it so hard to be a Pacquiao because he sets the bar so high and it is so hard to reach that spot.”

Solar Entertainment president WilsonTieng thanked Lim and the City of Manila for giving honor, encouragement and incentives to all sports champions.

Lim’s message to the two Filipino boxing champs was “to continuously train hard and avoid temptations because it may distract from your focus and training. To me you are young, build your strength and physical fitness so you will continue to bring honor to our country.”

Lim gave the two champions a token of appreciation for the country pride and honor they brought the Philippines.

Viloria, who lost a close majority decision to Edgar Sosa for the vacant WBC title last April 2007, is eager to have a rematch with Sosa and to unify the two titles.  He also planned to move up in weight to gain more titles and honor and pride for the country.  Sonsona, the youngest Filipino boxing champ, planned to defend his WBO title this November in Ontario Canada .

Lim said a recommendation will be made to the city council for Sonsona to be recognized as an adopted son of manila.  Other adopted sons of Manila are the world’s pound for pound king Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. and Brian “The Hawaiian Punch” Viloria.

Despite the rain a motorcade followed the courtesy call and press conference with Viloria, accompanied by his girlfriend Erica on the lead vehicle followed by Sonsona together with his father, Jovencio, head trainer, Jun Agrabio Jr while Mayor Lim, Tieng, Manila Sports Council chairman, Niño dela Cruz and City Security major Nicholas Amparo rode in a third vehicle.