Viloria vows all-out war tonite vs Montoya

MANILA, Philippines - It won’t be a cakewalk for former WBA/WBO flyweight and IBF lightflyweight champion Brian Viloria when he battles Mexico’s Ruben (Hurricane) Montoya in an eight-round bout to mark his comeback from a 1 1/2 year layoff at the Ryogoku Sumo Arena in Tokyo tonight but the 36-year-old Hawaiian Punch vowed to show he’s far from finished in his last run for another world title.

Viloria’s manager Gary Gittelsohn said Montoya is built like a fireplug and can’t be taken lightly. “Montoya’s a tough boxer with power,” said Gittelsohn who flew in from Los Angeles to watch the fight at ringside. “Guys like Montoya always elevate their game and fight their best against elite competition like Brian. That’s exactly why I believe he will be a strong test for Brian and an indicative barometer of the map we chart from here.”

Viloria hasn’t fought since October 2015 and went back to train at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles under Freddie Roach’s chief assistant Marvin Somodio last November with the goal of capturing one more championship. Montoya, 31, is the first obstacle in his climb back to the top.

Somodio, who was unable to obtain a Japanese visa in time for the fight, said Viloria’s training camp went smoothly. “Brian still has the speed, agility and power,” said Somodio. “This fight is his chance to prove that he can win another world title. Brian has no problem making 112 pounds so he’ll continue to fight as a flyweight. I believe his power is still 100 percent.”

Gittelsohn said he made travel plans for Somodio to work Viloria’s corner but his Japanese visa couldn’t be issued on time. “Ruben Gomez will be Brian’s chief second and Teiken has offered to supplement our needs with their personnel,” he said. “We’re very happy with Teiken and we have the highest regard for Mr. (Akihiko) Honda, one of the finest gentlemen in the sport.” Viloria recently signed a promotional contract with Honda’s Teiken group.

Gittelsohn said the mood in Viloria’s camp is upbeat. “Brian’s in great spirits after a well-deserved break,” he said. “He’s been looking exceptional in the gym and we’re all excited about his march to another world title. His weight is good and he’s raring to go. We’re confident. The Japanese press has expressed strong interest in Brian. I see refreshed focus and renewed confidence in Brian and it’s plain to see he can hardly wait to get back in the ring.”

Viloria said he’s going all-out for a big win in his first fight in Japan. Experience and power will be on his side when he enters the ring with a 36-5 record, including 22 KOs. Montoya’s record is 14-4-1.