Brian Viloria vs Artem Dalakian Preview Feb. 24th
The vacant WBA Flyweight Title is up for grabs at the Forum in Inglewood, California this Saturday, Feb. 24th as Brian Viloria of Hawaii battles it out with unbeaten Artem Dalakian of Azerbaijan. Viloria last fought back in September when he stopped Miguel Cartagena in the fifth round. Dalakian was last in the ring in last April when he stopped Luis Manuel Macias in the sixth round to defend his WBA Continental Flyweight Title for the fourth time. Viloria, known as ‘The Hawaiian Punch’ is a former WBO, WBA and IBF Flyweight Champion and WBC and IBF Light Flyweight belt holder.
Viloria vs Dalakian Betting Odds
Here are the betting odds from online sportsbook BetOnline.ag (full review here).
- Artem Dalakian +140
- Brian Viloria -160
My Pick
Viloria is now 37 years old and he’ll climb through the ropes with a mark of 38-5 along with 23 Kos. He turned pro back in 2001 and has plenty of world title experience as well as 333 rounds under his belt as a pro. He’s 5-feet-4-inches tall and has a reach of 66 inches. Viloria’s not really known for possessing heavy fists, but has a current knockout ratio of 51 per cent. He has a pretty reliable chin, but has been stopped in two of his five career defeats.
Viloria was stopped by WBC Flyweight Champ Roman Gonzalez in the ninth round in October, 2015 and was halted in the 12th round by Carlos Tamara in January of 2010. His other losses came at the hands of Juan Francisco Estrada by a 12-round split decision in April, 2013, to Edgar Sosa by a 12-round majority decision in 2007 and by a 12-round unanimous decision to Omar Nino Romero in 2006. Viloria’s an exciting boxer, but he’s getting on in age. He’s been a credit to the sport, but has fallen just short against elite opponents over the past few years.
The 30-year-old Dalakian boasts a perfect record of 15-0 with 11 Kos, but hasn’t taken on the level of opponents that Viloria has. Still, he obviously has a lot of power with a current knockout ratio of 73 per cent. Dalakian turned pro in 2011 and has boxed a total of 76 rounds since then. He’s also been the WBA International Flyweight Champion in the past. He’s basically the same height as Viloria as he’s just over 5-feet-4-inches tall and has an unlisted reach.
Dalakian will be stepping up in class against Viloria, but lacks the Hawaiian’s experience. However, he is seven years younger than the ex-world champ. Viloria’s been fighting mostly Grade B opponents lately though other than his world title shots against Estrada and Gonzalez. There’s no doubt Viloria’s in the twilight of his career at this point, but if his chin holds out he could give Dalakian more than he can handle.
Prediction…
Dalakian’s not really a youngster at the age of 30, but he’s a good boxer with power. Viloria could have one more great fight left in him though and if he does, I’m expecting ‘The Hawaiian Punch’ to emerge with a victory on Saturday night to win the vacant WBA Flyweight Title.
Viloria may have one great fight left in him.
Play: Viloria -160 @ BetOnline.ag
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Artem Dalakian betting • Brian Viloria betting