Here it is
SYDNEY, Australia - A couple things are certain when Honolulu’s Brian Viloria steps into the ring for the opening-round fight in his quest for an Olympic gold medal (10 tonight Hawai‘i time).
He’ll have his parents and some family members here to watch him, and he’ll be feeling the support of the state.
"They’ve pushed me and have helped me get to where I am today," he said of his fans and friends.
What solidified Viloria’s praise was his recent trip home before he officially began his journey here for what he hopes will be a five-fight tournament that ends in gold.
"They’ve been real positive," said Viloria. "They just told me to keep doing what I was doing. That if I did, I’ll get to where I want to get."
And that’s on top of the 106-pound weight class. He already goes into the division (light flyweight, 48kg) as the world champion and one of the United States’ top hopes for a gold medal.
It’s also something he has dreamed about.
"I’ve been visualizing it since I was 8 years old," said Viloria, 19. "Thinking that I might have a gold medal around my neck is great when you realize it."
He opens his competition against Russia’s Serguiel Kazakov, whom he defeated two years ago.
His most recent loss, to Ivan Calderon of Puerto Rico in early spring, helped fuel his desire to do well. It pained him so much, he has ached to get better.
"What that did was keep me grounded," Viloria said. "Even though I’m ranked No. 1 in the world, it’s not an excuse to lie around and not train real hard. Things won’t be easy (here)."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_Calderon_(boxer)
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CORRECTION: They only fought twice in the amateurs and Viloria won both of 'em!
Didn't you just read JackSlack's post, he saw two amateur fights between the two and Calderon won both.
Correct
Not that it matters, but I thought they fought 4 times in the amateurs and Calderon won 3 out of those 4 fights.
Sucka is correct.
I saw two of them and Calderon won both.
Iron Boy isn't a youngster, he is 29 already if I'm not mistaken, and he just had too much experience for Brian.
I think it would depend on how much Brian went after the guy now, as Calderon has slowed significantly as far as his once-constant circling goes.
Brian certainly has the edge in the power department, but Ivan is a very strong man despite his short stature, and he is rugged and very durable as well.
Calderon is definitely the better technician, and may just jab a bit too much and hit and get out for Brian to win on points.
I would take Calderon at this juncture in their respective careers by decision, but perhaps not in a year or so as Brian is going to continue to improve.
Jack
Calderon hits like a woman, lets be realistic. The guy throws alot of punches and has great movement but at the end of the night his opponents face rarely if ever has a scratch.
Viloria would stalk Calderon and eventually wear his man out, Viloria hasn't looked to great in recent showings but to be fair Calderon simply doesn't have the power to keep Viloria off his tail.
I'd take Viloria late.
yep i agree. im actually pretty impressed with calderon's superb boxing skills but in his recent fights he would mainly dominate and win by UD. he seems to be just contended with winning rounds and stayin away from harm and when he does mix it up he's like throwing cotton to the opponents. viloria's power would surely give calderon very serious trouble. if he cant hurt viloria, he'll go down in the later rounds.
Calderon hits like a woman, lets be realistic. The guy throws alot of punches and has great movement but at the end of the night his opponents face rarely if ever has a scratch.
Viloria would stalk Calderon and eventually wear his man out, Viloria hasn't looked to great in recent showings but to be fair Calderon simply doesn't have the power to keep Viloria off his tail.
I'd take Viloria late.
They already fought 3 times during their amateur days....Viloria won twice...If they fought now, no way will Calderon have the punch to hurt Viloria...Brian by UD or late KO. ;P
Not that it matters, but I thought they fought 4 times in the amateurs and Calderon won 3 out of those 4 fights.
They already fought 3 times during their amateur days....Viloria won twice...If they fought now, no way will Calderon have the punch to hurt Viloria...Brian by UD or late KO. ;P