By Phil D. Jay
WBO flyweight champion Julio Cesar Miranda feels no pressure to move up to the super-flyweight division anytime in the near future. The Mexican’s sole focus is a successful fourth defence of his belt against Hawaiian former two-time world light-flyweight champion Brian Viloria in California on June 4th.
The 30 year-old (35-5-1, 28 KO’s), is on a five-fight stoppage streak, with all five coming at title level, including four world title fights and is in the best form of his life. “Pingo” is just enjoying his time as a world champion and concentrating on beating Viloria, also 30, who is isn’t taking lightly.
“I have seen Viloria fight many times,” Miranda told World Boxing News.
“His performances to win the light-flyweight title against Eric Ortiz in 2005 and his first defence against Jose Aguirre were impressive.
“I also watched his fights with Omar Nino, Edgar Sosa, Carlos Tamara and Archie Solis, so I have a good knowledge of him and know what to expect.
“Brian Viloria is a necessary defence and I will fight whoever is put in front of me.”
Viloria (28-3, 16 KO’s), knocked out Ortiz in a time of 2:59 in 2005 to win the WBC light-flyweight tile, a feat ironically repeated exactly by Miranda in 2009, as the Tampico fighter claimed victory in an IBF flyweight title eliminator. “Hawaiian Punch” claimed a second world title in 2009 with a victory over current champion Ulises Solis and now fights at 112lbs for the second time after moving up.
Miranda has constantly been linked with a move to 115lbs, with fellow Mexicans Mijares, Cazares and Rojas holding titles at super-flyweight, but Miranda has reiterated his desire to stay at 112lbs for the time being and maybe unify the division, before moving up the weights.
“It may cost me if I move up too soon, so I am taking the necessary time I need to prepare, before I look for the opportunity to be crowned world super-flyweight champion,” added Miranda.
Phil D. Jay covers the boxing scene for worldboxingnews.net
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