Sweet revenge: Viloria knocks out Romero

MANILA, Philippines [UPDATED] – It was another win for a Filipino boxer up against a Mexican fighter.

Brian “The Hawaiian Punch” Viloria” finally solved the puzzle that is Omar Niño Romero, scoring a 9th round technical knockout win over the Mexican challenger during the “Island Assault 4: The Battle” on Sunday, May 13, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Villoria, 36, retain his World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight crown.

The win erased his two previous disappointing encounters with the gritty Romero, 36, whom he lost to by a unanimous decision in 2006 and a held to a draw in a 2010 bout that was later declared a no contest. Romero was tested positive for illegal drug substance in their  second fight.

Villoria started slowly but quickly picked up paced by knocking down the challenger in the 3rd round with a well-timed left hook and again in the fifth round.

Romero was also deducted a point for low blow in the fourth round.

The Filipino-American champion, who hails from Hawaii, was never in danger and was in control of the fight starting the third round with his accurate jabs and crisp combinations against the suddenly tentative Romero.

He opened up a cut above the right eye of Romero in the 4th round.

In the fateful 9th round, Villoria sent Romero reeling to the ring near the corner of the Mexican.  A flurry of follow-ups buckled the knees of the challenger before his corner climbed the ring to stop the fight.

But by then the referee had already waived the fight despite protests from Romero. Viloria did a hula to celebrate.

Viloria staked his title, which he previously won by unanimous decision from another Mexican, Julio Cesar Miranda, last July 16, 2011

It was the third successful defense for Villoria who won his second world title in as many weight classes from Miranda who saw action in the undercard.

Villoria improved his professional record to 31 wins (18 knockouts), 3 losses and one no contest.

Undercards

In the main supporting bout, former world light flyweight champion Rodel Mayol scored a lopsided win over another former world title holder Julio Cesar Miranda to keep his second world title bid alive.

Campaigning in the flyweight division where he said he is more at home, Mayol repeatedly rocked the rugged Mexican but failed to put him away.

Mayol totally dominated Miranda who counts stoppage victories over Filipino opponents Richie Mepranum and Ardin Diale.  The scores were 100-90, 99-90 and 97-91. – Rappler.com