In 1993, Aquino would again challenge for the  vacant WBO light middleweight title against Verno Phillips on a Top Rank fight card that also featured Michael Carbajal's successful defense of the unified WBC and IBF light flyweight titles against challenger Domingo Sosa as well as up and coming prospect Oscar De La Hoya. Philips defeated Aquino by 7th round technical knockout (0:57).
In 1993, Aquino fought Verno Phillips for the vacant WBO light middleweight title on a Top Rank card that also featured Michael Carbajal defending his unified WBC and IBF light flyweight titles against Domingo Sosa, as well as rising star Oscar De La Hoya.  Phillips won by technical knockout in the seventh round (0:57).