Brian Viloria: Segura fight means P4P recognition

By Ryan Songalia http://www.gmanews.tv/pbr/article/231587/sports/viloria-segura-fight-means-p4p-recognition World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight champion Brian Viloria didn't pick his next opponent, his opponent chose him. The 30-year-old Hawaiian native Viloria, who now resides in Los Angeles, California brought himself back from the brink of irrelevance when he dug deep to come out on top against titlist Julio Cesar Miranda last July, but in the process inherited Giovani Segura's mandatory challenge. The 29-year-old Segura (28-1-1, 24 knockouts) of Bell, California by way of Guerrero, Mexico is the reigning champion from the division below (light flyweight). He is coming off of two statement-making knockout victories over the legendary Ivan Calderon. Segura is the eighth-ranked pound-for-pound fighter by The Ring Magazine. It's not the ideal situation to walk into, but it's one that affords Viloria a unique opportunity to cement his legacy. "This is the type of fight that will put you on the map," said Viloria, 29-3 (16 KOs). "These are the kind of fights that will put you on the top 10 pound for pound list. These are the type of fights you have to take in order for you to be remembered in this sport. It’s a big gamble, it’s gonna be really tough, but I think I have what it takes to defeat Segura." Viloria, who was a US Olympian in the 2000 Games, has now won three world titles at 108 and 112 pounds and is poised to take on his biggest test of his professional career. The fight was ordered by the WBO, which recognizes Viloria as champion, but was delayed due to a nasty cut suffered over his right eye. Viloria insists the cut is healing well, despite redness from the scar being visible upon closer inspection. His first defense will likely be in early December, either in the Philippines or Hawaii, Viloria says. Yet while his doctor cautioned him against sparring for the time being to protect the fresh wound, Viloria continues to log miles in roadwork to stay in shape. The rise in weight from 108 to 112 pounds has given him extra leniency in his daily life, which he credits with being the difference between fading late in a fight (against Carlos Tamara) and pulling out a close victory (against Miranda). "That extra four pounds is what gives me that extra boost of energy. It's really tough to come down, especially when you don’t have anything to lose around the waist area." Viloria will need all the energy he can muster against Segura, who has collected the scalps of Filipino fighter Sonny Boy Jaro and Juanito Rubillar with his relentless, awkward pressure and prodigious knockout power. The brash Segura went as far as to promise a dramatic victory over Viloria, telling GMA News "I will knock him out, no doubt." "I've heard it all," said Viloria. "Before my last fight with Miranda, he said the same thing and I became the winner in that fight. It's all hype. I guess it's their way to keep themselves motivated. Being in this sport for so long, you hear things like that all the time, so I welcome that. It'll only put fire in my eyes and in my heart to do well." "As far as who hits the hardest, anybody can hit hard in this division with the right type of punch. Or you can get hit with a lucky shot. It's how much work you put into the gym that will pull you out as a winner. All I need to do is work hard and anything can happen after that." A win over Segura could be the tipping point for a spot in Canastota, N.Y. in the International Boxing Hall of Fame, an honor that Viloria says would be nice but that doesn't occupy much of his thinking. Yet despite his presence of mind on current affairs, Viloria says he does think about the future. Having studied broadcast journalism at Northern Michigan University on a boxing scholarship, Viloria says he'd like to become a sports writer and "write other fighters' stories and just share that with the people." Or he'd like to star in a television show. Or he'd like to start a music career. But foremost on his mind is Segura. And the feeling is mutual.