By DYAN CASTILLEJO GARCIA

The buzz on the grounds of Las Vegas is WBC light flyweight world champion, Brian Viloria.

Welcome to a very special Sports Unlimited episode where you will get to know who and what Brian is all about: the boxer and the person.

Sports Unlimited was at the Alladin Hotel in Las Vegas on February 18, the night Brian defended his title for the first time.

I introduced G Tongi to Brian and we had the chance to chat with him before his last workout at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles.

It was the first time I talked to Brian at length and found out what a bright, articulate, level-headed and funny guy he is.

Brian has been boxing since he was six years old, so he feels very comfortable and at ease when boxing.

As an amateur boxer Brian had an impressive career: National Junior Olympics Amateur Champion, US National Amateur Champion, World Amateur Champion.

He was also part of the United States Olympic Boxing team in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

In 2002 he was voted " Fighter of the Year" by the North American Boxing Federation.

Brian left the amateur boxing world and turned professional only four and a half years ago and has never been defeated. He has an 18 and 0 win-loss record, 12 of those wins by knockout.

I'm sure you all remember his last first round knockout win last September 10 where he took away the light flyweight title from Mexican, Erik Ortiz. After that, all eyes have been on Brian.

Brian and the way he fights has brought celebrity and excitement to this weight division.

Brian's manager, Gary Gittleson, said that Brian has a God-given gift as a boxer and as a person, Brian is the type you want for your best buddy.

Brian's father, Ben Viloria, is beaming with pride. He is behind his son 100 percent.

Even Hollywood celebrities like Mario Lopez who trains at Wild Card loves Brian as a boxer. They have also become good buddies. Mario also wants to come with Brian to the Philippines the next time he comes home.

Outside the ring, Brian is very multi-talented. He plays the piano, he composes music, he plays the guitar, even the ukelele.

Brian's dad said there is nothing his son does not do. He played tennis in school, he raps, he break dances and he even speaks French, Japanese and Spanish.

Brian's dad had him when he was only 19. That explains why they are like best friends.

Brian wowed everyone at the media workout day with his skip rope skills. I have never seen anyone skip rope like Brian.

With the way Brian skip ropes, a skip rope video may be in the works. A "how-to" video, "How To Skip Rope Like Brian Viloria."

Showtime
We noticed right away that Brian is very comfortable in front of cameras and is a natural entertainer. He fits perfectly in Las Vegas.

The second Brian steps on the ring, it’s showtime. The press loves him and he loves performing for them.

Brian's corner man, Ruben Gomez, told me Brian is destined to be a superstar.

It was Ruben's wife who made the outfit Brian will wear for his first title defense fight on February 18.

Brian as always is very proud of his Filipino heritage. Proof is the Philippine flag both in his robe and his boxing shorts.

Like Manny "The Pacman" Pacquiao, Brian is proud to be Pinoy.

Everyone we meet just can't say enough good things about this 108-pound world boxing champion.

Even his opponent, former world champion Jose Antonio "El Jaguar" Aguirre, told me he has a lot of respect for the boxing talent of Brian and that he considers him a real boxing warrior.

The press conference and the official weigh-in of the fighters are what sets the tone of the fight. It’s the moment of truth when the fighters take their places on the scale.

Brian goes on a very strict and light diet a week before the fight, mostly fish and steamed veggies

The fight on February 18 was Brian's first pay-per-view outing and that means one thing: there will be more people who will discover what a gifted and special fighter Brian Viloria is.

Boxing is a very demanding sport both physically and mentally.

The more support a boxer gets from co-boxers the better. It means a lot to Brian that Manny was at the Alladin to watch his fight.

Manny is an inspiration to every Filipino boxer. Brian idolizes Manny. The Pacman is very impressed with Brian's boxing style and the power of his punches.

Brian Viloria: 25 years old; Manager: Gary Gittleson; Trainer: Freddie Roach; Record: undefeated after 18 fights; 12 wins by knockout: reigning World Boxing Council light flyweight world champion; Great boxer; Good ol' boy.