VIGAN CITY – A hero’s welcome awaits boxing champion Brian Viloria when he comes home to Ilocos Sur next month.

This was announced by Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Chavit Singson who said the World Boxing Council (WBC) light-flyweight champion who successfully defended his title is coming home early next month.

Viloria scored an impressive victory over Mexican Jose Antonio Aguirre in their bout last Sunday at the Aladdin Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Viloria is a true-blue Ilocano who was born in Hawaii and whose parents hail from barangay San Jose, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.

In an interview over DWRS Command Radio here, Singson said that the welcome rite for Viloria will be bigger than that when he first came home September 28 last year after winning his WBC boxing title. “Let’s rejoice and be proud because this was a great honor not only to us Ilocanos but also the whole Filipino race,” Singson said.

Sinsgon was at ringside during Viloria-Aguirre fight at Aladdin Casino in Las Vegas. The governor admitted that he and the other Filipinos who watched the match got worried in rounds 2 and 3, when the challenger pummeled heavy punches on Viloria in the side corner.

Viloria, who was more talented, was however able to bounce back and retaliated with flurries of strong punches to the face and head of Aguirre in the remaining rounds.

According to Singson, the effort of Viloria gave inspiration to the people of Ilocos Sur, as it means that Viloria’s fellow Ilocanos could also excel in this kind of sport.

Ilocos Sur Vice Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano said that a resolution will be handed by the provincial board to Viloria recognizing him for his recent ring victory.

Vigan City Mayor Ferdinand C. Medina, who provided a wide screen television for live viewing of Brian’s fight at the multi-purpose hall of Vigan Cultural and Trade Center (VCTC) last Sunday, said that preparations for a grand welcome for Viloria is now in full swing in Vigan.

“For a world class fighter like Brian Viloria, it is our great honor to adopt him as son of the world class Heritage City of Vigan,” Medina said.