Wow, the “Hawaiian Punch” couldn’t have done it better.
It was another version of Brian Viloria who stopped Giovani Segura in round eight in the former’s first defense of his WBO flyweight title. That was a surprisingly impressive performance from the underdog Filipino champion. Viloria looked splendid in that “Island Assault” championship bout held last Dec. 11 at the Ynares Sports Center. He did very satisfactorily in each round not because he has become remarkably better than his usual “cautious” fighting style as a technical boxer with sting in both hands, but because he was at his best a brave fighter, dominating a highly rated knock-out Mexican puncher considered the best in his division.
But it was a fearless fight for the two brave hearts.
Viloria was obviously well-conditioned physically, which made him durable enough to withstand the power of Segura. The pressure was on Viloria at the start of the fight, but his range and distance were correct. He knew how to swing his head and cover his body to avoid much of Segura’s attacks. Viloria was precise in his offense and counterpunches and too smart for Segura’s game plan.
The Hawaiian Punch’s confidence soared from the start, as if a greater Someone had been summoned to be by his side in the ring every second of each round. He knelt down and looked up before the initial bell rang. The gesture was real. And true enough, he was heard.
The third round was the turning point.
Repeated “hidden” left hooks were effectively thrown by the Hawaiian Punch which damaged the upper right part of Segura’s head in an unusual way. The strange swelling was too much and the danger to the challenger’s health was not something to be taken lightly. So I thought the fight wouldn’t be allowed to continue beyond round five.
Viloria rampaged in the latter rounds, but the corner of Segura seemed heartless toward their man. It should have thrown in the towel earlier, seeing that the condition of their fighter was not getting any better. I am sure the majority of those who saw the fight felt some serious concern for the welfare of Segura due to his dazed look and weakening condition. But thank goodness, American referee Samuel Viruet couldn’t bear the pitiful sight any longer, and so he decided to save Segura’s life at the start of round eight by raising his hands to signal it was all over—and before another ugly blot could be inflicted upon boxing as an ailing sport.
—RENI M. VALENZUELA,
renimvalenzuela@yahoo.com