BY: Vitali Shaposhnikov
On March 6th, Vic Darchinyan crossed the ropes to face Rodrigo Guerrero (13-1, 9 KOs) in Rancho Mirage, Ca. Vic was of course the favorite in their bout, and not only because of his status in boxing, but also because Rodrigo should have been nothing more than a sparring partner for Darchinyan. Indeed their fight ended up looking more like a sparring session rather than a competitive boxing match, with Darchinyan coming out victorious. The judges scored the bout 118-110, 117-111, 120-108. While Vic was unable to send Rodrigo to the canvas, he showed his unrelenting power and consistency, punishing the kid for 12 rounds. Due to either lack of competition or lack of self esteem, fights like this do occur in boxing.
Most of us expected to see Vic perform the way he did, taking this kid apart, and claiming another W for his record. But what does this really mean for us? What comes next? Well next my dear reader, hopefully comes a fight that many have been eagerly waiting for: Darchinyan vs. Donaire II.
On July 7, 2007 Nonito Donaire faced Darchinyan, and stood toe to toe with the Raging Bull for 5 rounds. Against all odds, like a virtuoso matador, Nonito was able to take down Vic at 1:38 of the fifth round. For Nonito Donaire, Darchinyan will always have a special place. In boxing, it’s that one fight that advances you from an average name, to a boxing sensation. While I would not call Nonito a boxing sensation just yet, he is well on his way to the very peak. Darchinyan is the very reason that Nonito is now a fighter whose name is spreading through the boxing community like an ever expanding spider-web. Nonito is known all over the world, and his fight with Vic is the one people talk of the most.
Nonito has made it clear in the past few months via interviews, that he is interested in facing Vic for the second time, and proving it to us and himself that their first fight was far from a fluke for Darchinyan. “I’ve been waiting for that fight. I’m here and I hope he’s got enough confidence for him to step up into the ring with me again. … He always calls me out. He’s always doing that. There’s nothing new about Darchinyan. That’s how he is, and that’s how he’ll always be. If they can make the fight happen, that’s fine. I’m well ready for this fight and I’m actually excited to see that the fight will happen.” I have personally asked Nonito if he is interested in their rematch, and he enthusiastically gave me a very positive response.
Since Donaire, Vic collected 5 victories and 1 loss to Joseph Agbeko. With his record (33-2, 27 Kos) Darchinyan is a formidable opponent at any time, anywhere. He is smart, quick, and very powerful for his size. His success against Guerrero is crucial to a future rematch with his rival Donaire. Vic is still very bitter about his loss, and blames it all on a lucky day for Nonito, saying: “He knows he got lucky and he wants nothing to do with fighting me. Arce is finished, he fought a bum for a vacant world title and he calls himself a champion, now Donaire wants to fight Arce. Give the fans what they want. You don’t see Manny Pacquaio fighting opponents with walking sticks. I’ve got two titles ready for you to take. You believe you’re the man? Come and be a unified champion. You can fight Arce after you fight me.” Then addressing Nonito directly, Vic continued, “The problem is you’re a freshly plucked chicken ready for the oven. The fans want to see if you can be lucky a second time around. The problem is you know what’s going to happen when we fight. You know you’re going to be knocked out cold. I don’t blame you for not wanting to fight me.”
While Darchinyan is acting arrogant and childish, I do agree with him: this fight needs to happen, and it needs to be organized soon. Nonito beating Vic was a huge upset, but after following Nonito since, I can clearly see why he won. In their re-match, I would undoubtedly pick Donaire to win the fight, and likely in a similar fashion. Nonito is not only faster, but is more adverse and adaptive in the ring, which is the winning attribute in this fight. Darchinyan is known for his fast hand speed, but unfortunately he uses one hand, and throws it as a straight only. Not to say that’s all he does, but it seems to be all that he relies on for a knockout win. Donaire on the other hand, uses his hands in a whole spectrum of ways from many different angles. I think that Nonito is fully capable of overwhelming Darchinyan to a point where Vic will no longer be able to keep up the defense.
Now that both Donaire and Darchinyan came out a clear victor in their bouts, it’s time for them to meet once again, and put a stop to the many speculations and predictions floating around. Nontio has gained popularity and respect, Vic has showed he is not yet done with boxing, and both speak of each other at every given opportunity. Summer of 2010 would much more entertaining for the boxing fans if their long awaited fight came to fruition.
Boxing News www.diamondboxing.com
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