MANILA (Apr. 19) -- Before a roaring crowd at the Araneta Center billed as a double header: "The Flash and The Furious," two young Filipino boxers won separate impressive victories and emerged as world champions in their respective divisions.
Junior flyweight Filipino American Brian "The Hawaiian Punch" Viloria knocked out Ulissis Solis of Mexico in the 11th round in their championship match. Viloria, the former World Boxing Council light flyweight champion, was regarded as the underdog before the match. Solis spoiled earlier attempts of three Filipinos -- Rodel Mayol, Bert Batwang and Glenn Donaire, elder brother of Nonito -- to strip him of his title in the past.