Brian Viloria hoisting the IBF belt he won from Ulises Solis.

MANILA, Philippines - Brian Viloria will defend his International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight title against Carlos Tamara of Colombia in “Collision Course” at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Saturday.

This is the 2nd title defense of the Filipino-American Viloria, also known as the “Hawaiian Punch.” He has 26 wins (with 15 knockouts), 2 losses and 2 no contests.

Viloria said he is as focused and hungry to defend his belt during the event’s press conference at the Manila Hotel on Wednesday.

He added that he is mentally and physically in super shape and is more mature as a fighter, according to ABS-CBN Correspondent Dyan Castillejo.

His trainer, Robert Garcia, added that his ward has worked out for 3 months to prepare for the fight.

Viloria also stressed that he is not taking his opponent lightly.

“I expect a really tough match come the 23rd of January. I’m not overlooking this guy. This guy’s a lot taller than I am, with a longer reach. So he’s going to possess a lot of obstacles that I need to overcome that night,” Viloria told MaxBoxing.com.

“He has a lot of experience, also, as an amateur fighter… So I expect a good veteran coming out of this fight,” added Viloria, who described Tamara as “very durable.” The former Olympian from Colombia has a record of 20-4 (with 14 KOs).

Tamara, who only speaks Spanish, said that he is hungry to get the IBF flyweight belt. He also mentioned that he is used to fighting in other countries.

Calderon clash

Despite the impending match-up featuring Viloria and Tamara, other fight fans are anticipating a unification clash between the Fil-Am and World Boxing Organization (WBO) light flyweight champion Ivan Calderon.

“That match-up would be one of the most anticipated ever in that weight class,” wrote Steve Kim of MaxBoxing.com.

“I really want to concentrate on just one fight at a time. I don’t want to find myself overlooking any opponent again. And Carlos Tamara is my Ivan Calderon, right now, and I’m going to have to go in there and prove why I’m the world champion and bring this home,” Viloria said.

“After this fight, we’ll talk again and we’ll see if an Ivan Calderon-Brian Viloria fight is going to happen.”

Viloria’s manager, Gary Gittelsohn, said that there is no truth to rumors that there are already negotiations for the Calderon-Viloria bout.

The proposal

Meanwhile, Viloria announced during the press conference his engagement to his longtime girlfriend, Erika. They got engaged last Christmas after he proposed.

“The Hawaiian Punch” said he was more nervous to propose to his girlfriend than face his fiercest opponent on the ring.

Erika, for her part, said she is very supportive of Viloria as she has been with him through the ups and downs in his career.

Another Filipino, Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, is featured in the “Collision Course” card. He will face Jesus Silvestre (15-1, with 12 KOs) of Mexico in a non-title fight.

Nietes (25-1-1, with 14 KOs) is the current WBO minimum weight champion but his bout will not be a fight for the belt.

Filipinos Jimrex Jaca (28-6-3, with 13 KOs) and Jason Pagara (20-1, with 10 KOs) are also slated to fight against Indonesians in “Collision Course.”

Jaca will face Ramadhan Weiru (13-2-1, with 12 KOs) while Pagara will take on Eddy Comaro (22-6-5, with 8 KOs).

“Collision Course” fights will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday. – With reports from Steve Kim of MaxBoxing.com and Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News