‘The Hawaiian Punch’ is still in the fight game ― as a trainer

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Brian Viloria first strapped on boxing gloves when he was only a child in Waipahu. He dreamed that sometime he would combat within the Olympic Video games.

“I wished to be there. I wished to expertise that complete factor,” he mentioned.

After mowing down amateurs and successful a championship, Viloria made Group USA in 2000.

He didn’t medal however he remembers the Opening Ceremony as a golden second.

“Impulsively you hear this roar of individuals, simply screaming and clapping. The brilliant lights had been simply in your face. I did a 360 within the enviornment. I used to be like, ‘Whoa!’” he mentioned.

As knowledgeable, Viloria was a knockout artist ― 23 of his 38 wins had been by KO. Throughout a storied profession he captured 4 world titles, one from every of professional boxing’s sanctioning our bodies.

“My profession has been superb,” he mentioned.

Viloria retired from the ring in 2018, however he’s nonetheless concerned within the combat sport. He trains professional boxers and private shoppers at North Hollywood’s Brickhouse Boxing Membership.

“Now I don’t compete. I don’t get punched within the face. However I assist information fighters. And in case you simply wish to work out, hey, I’m there for you,” he mentioned.

Hanging up the gloves has given him extra time to spend together with his spouse and their two younger kids, and to dedicate to different necessary issues.

“It’s a bit extra freedom on doing the life factor, being with household and buddies and doing the issues that ordinary folks do,” he mentioned.

Whereas Viloria lives in Los Angeles, he returns to Hawaii typically. His brother not too long ago opened a gymnasium in Waipio.

“It’s referred to as 94 Field. They cater quite a bit to the youngsters, giving again to the neighborhood and simply attempting to get youngsters off the streets,” he mentioned.

Viloria, now 40, says he’s very happy with what he completed out and in of the ring and the way he dealt with his star-studded boxing enterprise.

“I sum it up because the wildest curler coaster you might ever journey on,” he mentioned.

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