by Ronnie Nathanielsz

Omar Nino Romero (29-3-2, 11 KO’s) whose battles with Filipino fighters have often ended in controversy but have always been tough fights, stakes his newly won WBC light flyweight title against Colombia’s Ronald “Indio” Barrera (27-7-2, 17 KO’s) at the Olympic Theater in the University of Guadalajara, Mexico this weekend.

The 34 year old Omar Nino Romero won the title with a unanimous twelve round decision over the Philippines Rodel Mayol in a rematch  on June 19, 2010 after their first title fight was declared a no contest when the WBC committee at ringside ruled that the Mexican had dropped Mayol with a vicious left hook while referee Vic Drackulich was moving in to halt the action after Omar Nino had  connected with a clear low blow.

Omar Nino Romero also beat veteran southpaw and many time title challenger Juanito Rubillar by an 8th round technical decision on June 6, 2009 after dropping a controversial split decision to Rubillar in their first fight which was a title eliminator on June 14, 2008.

Omar Nino Romero also tangled with former WBC champion Brian Viloria twice. He won the title with a somewhat controversial twelve round decision on August 10, 2006 and retained the title with a draw in their rematch on November 18, 2006. However, the Nevada State Athletic Commission suspended Omar Nino Romero for one year after an illegal substance was discovered in a post-fight urine test. Viloria fought Edgar Sosa for the vacant title and lost a majority twelve round unanimous decision on July 14, 2007 at the Alamadome in San Antonio, Texas.

The 29 year old Barrera is coming off a stunning  9th round TKO win over previously undefeated Arturo Badillo (17-0, 15 KO’s) on April 10 this year after losing by a 3rd round knockout in a clash for the vacant WBA light flyweight interim title to Juan Carlos Reveco on December 18, 2009.

Barrera also lost by a 6th round TKO in  am IBF title fight against Mexican Raul “Rayito” Garcia who won the title with a controversial split decision over then champion Florante Condes of the Philippines in Garcia’s hometown of La Paz despite the fact that Condes dropped Garcia in the last round and appeared to have won the second half of the fight.

Omar Nino Romero who was the aggressor especially in the championships rounds when Mayol faded and deserved to win the title from the Filipino said he feels happy “fighting in my house. I feel happy to be able to defend the title for the first time here and the only thing I can say is that I will not disappoint my fans. We will again wear the belt” when the fight is over.