MikeLigalig.com

By Lily O Ramos

Uneasy the head that wears the crown must have been felt by 29-year old, Fil-Am Brian Viloria who yielded his International Boxing Federation (IBF) light-fly title (108-lb) to Colombia's 26-year old Carlos Tamara last January 24 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Also called the "Hawaiian Punch" because he is also from the land of hulas, last Saturday's loss could possibly affect his boxing future.

In a press conference a day before his match with Tamara, Viloria, who has a degree in broadcasting from a university in Michigan, said he will decide what to do after the fatal Saturday fight and that TV broadcasting is an option.

Will the soft-spoken boxer become an analyst on TV as he had done once before with Joaquin Henson in one of the title fights of Manny Pacquiao?

Viloria has not been a consistent in the latter part of his 29 fights where he now logs 26 wins against three loses.

For a short time in 2005, he was the World Boxing Council (WBC) champion but lost the 108 belt to Omar Nino Romero by unanimous decision in the same year.

Briefly, 2000 Sydney Olympian Viloria also wore the IBF crown after defending it versus Jesus Iribe in August 2009 in Hawaii but he recently lost it infront of his countrymen to "El Olimpico," a 2004 Athens Olympian.

While it is true that some people says he has a lot more to give before hanging up his gloves, the Hawaiian Punch may follow another path to glory.

Other boxing celebrities whose fame did not last like 1996 Atlanta Olympics silver medalist Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco became a comedian and appears regularly on TV like former PBA MVP Benjie Paras.

Last Saturday, Viloria was leading on all counts until round 8 when he rocked Tamara strongly but fatigue and exhaustion set in as the Colombian changed from southpaw to right as he slowly wore down the Filipino.

Puzzled, Viloria wanted to hit his opponent to the canvass but his shots were wild and he missed several tries as he spent himself until at 1:45 gone by in the 12th round, he was felled by 14 unanswered punches from his shrewed enemy atop the ring.

Mercifully, Bruce McTavish decided enough is enough and stopped the punishment. Then Viloria collapsed as he felt dizzy while in his dressing room.

Rushed to the San Juan de Dios and hurriedly transferred to Makati Medical Center where he was scanned, found stable and fit despite a bloodied eyebrow, his manager Gary Gitthleson remained mum on his ward's future plans.

The former champion has been asked to stay for a week until followup tests are clear at the Makati Medical Center before leaving for his home in the US. (PNA)
FFC/LOR

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