By Edward Chaykovsky
Former champion Brian Viloria (36-4, 22 KOs) is wondering whether or not WBC flyweight champion Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez (43-0, 37 KOs), a rising pound-for-pound fighter, will be able to take his punching power.
They are set to collide on October 17th as part of the undercard to the Gennady Golovkin vs. David Lemieux HBO Pay-Per-View from Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Viloria is not going to lay back like other Gonzalez opponents. He plans to take the fight to the heavily favored champion, looking for openings to test the resolve of his chin.
He won't have any trouble finding openings, because Gonzalez has the same game plan in mind. Gonzalez says his mission is to stop Viloria inside the distance. He wants to make a statement against what many see as a very formidable opponent. Viloria has never been stopped and Gonzalez has never even been down. Something will have to give.
“I think his weakness is he hasn’t been tested by a puncher like myself and we’ll also have to see if he can withstand pressure,” Viloria told The Philippine Star. “Without giving too much away, we just need to come in great shape and let my hands go.”
“From the moment I wake up to even dreaming about the fight, it’s all I think of now. “I’m pulling out all the stops to prepare for this. I’m bringing in strength and conditioning trainers and basically working hard in the gym like never before.”
“I believe Gonzalez’ strength is he’s a very technical and well-schooled fighter. “He chooses his battles well and delivers his combinations crisp and methodically.”