By Rey Danseco
 
The strong offer of top ranked challenger Juanito Rubillar forces Brian Viloria’s American handlers to think hard about their next move.

Gary Gittelsohn couldn’t figure out whether they will put Viloria against a more popular foe in the United States with more lucrative purse or takes on the more experienced but less popular Rubillar in front of an American audience, Rubillar in mandatory fight.

“There is no need to introduce yourself to me. I'm familiar with your fine work. The short answer to your question is that we only just started discussing next steps for Brian and no plans have been finalized for the next fight,” Gittelsohn answered to this writer’s question on what would be their priority, unification fight to clean up the division or honor the mandated defense against Rubillar.

Initially, Gittelsohn and promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank, Inc.
negotiated for a unificiation with IBF light flyweight champ Ulises Solis for Arum’s June 10 card at the Madison Square Garden in New York.

But when Rubillar’s manager Gabriel Elorde Jr. insisted on Feb. 21, the realization of the long overdue mandatory clash between the champion and the No. 1 contender with the 108-lb title at stake on May 6 in Paranaque City, Gittelsohn felt they were pushed so hard on the wall.

Gittelsohn admitted that they are now evaluating their best option by constantly talking with Arum and Top Rank president Todd DuBoef.

“Bob Arum, Todd DuBoef, and I will evaluate our options with the goal of advancing the best continuing course for Brian's career,” said Gittelsohn.

“I expect to be in a position to present Brian with a proposal within the next three weeks. As soon as we settle on Brian's next fight I will be happy to share our plan with you.”

The WBC has ordered the 30 days free negotiation period between Elorde and Gittelsohn until April 6.

Sulaiman made it clear that if the two parties fail to reach an agreement, there will be a purse bidding on April 7 at the WBC Executive Offices in Mexico City where will decide which promoter gets the right to stage the fight.

“They couldn’t prevent Rubillar now that the WBC has final order for them to defend the title,” said Elorde, who offers $150,000 purse for Viloria.