Brian "The Hawaiian Punch" Viloria retained his World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight championship with an 8th round technical knockout victory over Mexico's Giovani Segura Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Although he was the defending champion, Viloria was considered an underdog going into the bout, as Segura is ranked number 9 in The RING's pound-for-pound ratings.
Viloria showed impressive skill and heart in his performance, bloodying Segura en route to a stoppage victory. The referee called a stop to the fight at the 0:29 mark of the 8th round, saving the challenger from more punishment.
Segura was the more aggressive fighter at the start of the bout, but Viloria was more effective. The Filipino-American boxer peppered the Mexican with a steady stream of hooks from the second round onward, causing Segura to start bleeding.
A lump formed on Segura's right temple at the end of the second round, which grew larger as Viloria continuously targeted his head. But the Mexican boxer remained aggressive, going inside and landing hard shots against Viloria.
But Segura was fading by the 7th round, and though he was able to answer the bell for the 8th round, the referee called a stop to the fight after seeing the challenger get peppered with a bevy of shots from Viloria.
