By Sergio Martinez

Photo © Mary Ann Owen/FightWireImages.com

"That’s why they fight the fights", a phrase that was uttered by HBO commentating legend Larry Merchant, regarding one of the many "the favorite is supposed to win" fights that resulted with the spoiler coming out on top.

While this last weekend’s Top Rank promoted fight card from beautiful San Antonio , Texas was not on the HBO network, the white haired Merchant’s axiom rang true for two fighting favorites: Jorge "Travieso" Arce and Brian "Hawaiian Punch" Viloria.

As the main fights began to unfold, former 2000 United States Olympian, and former 108 pound WBC kingpin Brian Viloria stepped into the squared-circle looking to redeem his name and reclaim the title he lost a mere eight months before to Mexican Omar Nino Romero.

Although he did fair better in the rematch three months later, the "Hawaiian Punch" still came up short in regaining his title from Nino when the end result was a draw. The fight result was later changed to a no contest because the tough Mexican veteran failed a post-fight drug test, which made the WBC 108 pound belt vacant.

Across the ring from Viloria stood relatively unknown Mexican fighter Edgar Sosa and his unimpressive 26-5 record with only 14-knockouts to his credit. According to most "experts" and personal at ringside, this world title fight was a mere formality and, before nights end, Brian Viloria again would be referred to as a "champion".

Forty-eight minutes later, a grotesquely swollen Viloria would lose a majority decision to Sosa. Although the correct combatant got the call, the fight was nowhere near as close as the three official judge’s scorecards alleged as Edgar Sosa completely dominated and brutally assaulted the "Hawaiian Punch." He swept the last five rounds on my scorecard.

The unknown gritty Mexican blitzed Viloria by battering him with hard combinations and fought in a very aggressive, but controlled style. It was an impressive performance, which put Edgar Sosa on the pugilistic map, as he is now a major player in the smaller weight classes.

Just when we thought we had seen it all, one of the hottest names in boxing today was upended as flamboyant Mexican powerhouse Jorge Arce was out boxed and embarrassed by little known WBC super flyweight champion Cristan Mijares.

It was another fight that was supposed to be a showcase as Top Rank positioning their small cash cow for bigger paydays. The plan was meant to be as the game and polished southpaw champion performed like a fighter that was leagues above Arce by boxing circles around the lollypop eating Mexican cowboy.

Throughout the contest, Mijares flashed a very quick and stiff jab, which kept Arce at bay never letting him setup to deliver his deadly power. Cristian also showed an amazing understanding of distance and concept of when to fight as he completely befuddled "Travieso" making him look amateurish during many exchanges.

Although Arce remained brave throughout, Mijares never seemed in danger and controlled the action all the way leading to a unanimous decision victory by scores of 119-108, 118-110, and 117-111 retaining his title in the process. It was a great win for a fantastic looking young champion.

In the end, Jorge Arce and Brian Viloria will both have some very tough roads ahead of them, as coming back from such resounding defeat is never easy.

In Brian Viloria’s case, he needs to deal with the physical and mental effects of the loss as Sosa really put a beating on him in San Antonio. Arce, who is used to taking punishment in fights, will have to recover from a different kind of beating, one that is psychological, because his confidence is what really took a beating in the fight.

Only time will tell if these two fighters can recover and return better than they were before this past weekend Still, such is life and life is boxing.