Viloria, Romero tangle for WBO flyweight belt today

DEFENDING WBO flyweight champion Brian “The Hawaiian Punch” Viloria and challenger Omar Niño Romero of Mexico both tipped the scales at the division limit of 112 lbs during yesterday’s official weigh-in for their fight today at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City.

For the supporting main event between two former world champions, Rodel Mayol of Mandaue City weighed 114 lbs while Julio Cesar Miranda of Mexico came in at 114 lbs.

The 31 year-old Viloria (30W-3L, 17 KOs) will be making the second defense of the title he won by unanimous decision from Miranda last July 16, 2011 in Hawaii. Last December, in a fight card covered by CDN, Viloria beat Giovani Segura by 8th round TKO for his first successful defense in Pasig City.

The 36 year-old Romero (31W-4L, 13 KOs) has dethroned both Viloria and Mayol.

In 2006, Romero beat Viloria by unanimous decision for the WBC lt.flyweight crown. Their rematch ended in a draw but was declared a no-contest after Romero failed a post fight drug test. In 2010, Romero beat Mayol by unanimous decision, also for the WBC lt.flyweight title.

Mayol will be gunning for vengeance against a Mexican boxer after his title challenge against WBA flyweight champion Hernan Marquez last March was aborted due to weight controversy.

This card will also feature an all-Pinoy battle for the WBO Oriental bantamweight title between champion Dayer Gabutan and Dado Cabintoy.

The referee for the Viloria-Romero match is Michael Ortega of the USA with Danrex Tapdasan (Philippines), Carlos Ortiz, Jr. (USA) and Glen Feldman (USA) as judges.

The fight card billed “Island Assault 4” will start at 9 a.m.