Brian Viloria Going Back to the Basics Against Sosa

By Darren Nichols

13/04/2007

Brian Viloria Going Back to the Basics Against Sosa

"I am going to be relentless and I'm going back to the basics. That is what got me the championship the first time, and you will see it again."

BoxingTalk:  Brian, how is preparation going for your championship fight this Saturday?

Brian Viloria:  It’s going well.  We’re working on new stuff, and trying to get my defense incorporated with my offense.  I’m working with Joe Goossen who is getting me in great shape.  We’re working on techniques that will keep me on my opponent and not letting him go like last time.

BoxingTalk:  Your opponent is Edgar Sosa.  What do you know about him?

Brian Viloria:  He’s a real technical fighter.  He has a big jab, which means I will need to do more movement around the ring, and use my power to out last him.

BoxingTalk: You will once again be fighting for the WBC 108-pound title you once held.  How important is this fight to you?

Brian Viloria:  It’s a real important fight to me.  How may times can I get a second chance at the title.  I am trying to redeem myself, trying to capture to what I’ve lost.

BoxingTalk:  What have you learned in your two fights with Omar Nino that will help you against Sosa?

Brian Viloria:  That I can not ease up on my opponent.  I have to get him on the run.  In my rematch with Nino, I backed off and let him regain his composure.  This time I will need to be more aggressive throughout the whole twelve rounds.

BoxingTalk:  You are working with Joe Goossen for this fight.  How has training with him been going?

Brian Viloria:  He gives me a lot more attention then Freddie Roach did.  Joe is there for me.  He goes through technique with me, and I’m not working by myself.  Freddie has a lot of fighters in his camp, and I need to have more one on one attention.  What I like about Joe is that he is ready to work when I get to the gym.

BoxingTalk:  What are you guys working on in the gym that will ensure victory against Sosa?

Brian Viloria:  Sosa likes to attack and set you up with his punches.  I need to move a lot more and be on my toes.  I need to not get caught with his right hand.  We have studied some tapes, and I see a lot of things that are to my advantage.  I know if I move around and come into the ring in great in shape, I’ll win this fight.

BoxingTalk:  Do you have any concern that Sosa will study the tapes of your fights with Nino to find a way to beat you?

Brian Viloria:  If he does, he will be coming in with a false sense of security.  I’m bringing a whole new part to my game.

BoxingTalk:  Do you feel that you are once again in a fight where your back is  up against the wall, and this is a do-or-die fight?

Brian Viloria:  I feel that it is.  I think it’s hard to get great fights in this weight division.  I can bring back intensity not just for this watching me, but also for my division.  I think I need to look good in this fight, take it seriously, and I’m looking forward to getting my title back

BoxingTalk:  What can we expect to see from Brian Viloria this Saturday at the Alamodome?

Brian Viloria:  I am going to be relentless and I'm going back to the basics.  That is what got me the championship the first time, and you will see it again.  I will be using my combinations and my power, which got me there earlier on in my career.

BoxingTalk:  What is your prediction for the 14th of April?

Brian Viloria:  I don’t make predictions, but I’ll win this fight


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