The Daily Telegraph
Fight for respect
By Grantlee Kieza
March 24, 2005

VIC Darchinyan punched his way through more than 300 amateur fights
all over the world before becoming the IBF world flyweight champion –
yet hardly anyone in Australia knows his name.

Darchinyan’s phenomenal record is proof that respect is hard-earned
in the ring, but what seems even tougher is fighting for recognition
in his adopted homeland.

On Sunday the powerful southpaw gets the chance to become a dual
world champion, fighting IBO flyweight champion Mzukisi Sikali from
South Africa at the State Sports Centre, Homebush.

Despite the prospect of adding another belt to his world title
collection, only a measly 50 hotels in Australia have bought the
television coverage to the bout, angering his trainer Jeff Fenech.

“If this kid doesn’t get carried away and does the right thing I
don’t believe there’s anybody in the world who can beat him,” Fenech
said. “But the one thing he doesn’t get is the support he deserves
from the Australian public.”

Darchinyan has travelled a typically hard road to become world
champion, touring the international amateur circuit from age 15 to
record 152 victories in 170 fights.

The truth is he has been surviving in the world of boxing since he
was eight, schooled in the art of ring smarts in his native Armenia.

Thrust into the fight game as a boy, Darchinyan estimates he featured
in about 130 bouts before officially recording his wins and losses,
fighting in countries including Russia, Georgia, Armenia, China,
Greece and the US. “I have been to nearly every country in Europe
but Australia is by far the best place,” Darchinyan said.

“I am very happy with how the people of Australia have accepted me,
now I want to win another world title for them and become better
known. Once I claim this next title I want a shot at the WBC, any
title, any belt, I want to win as many belts as I can.”

Former triple world champion Fenech pushed Darchinyan to become
professional after he starred for Armenia in the Sydney Olympics.

It meant leaving his family in Armenia and abandoning his dream of
becoming an Olympic champion, but the fighter in Darchinyan couldn’t
resist. On his arrival in Australia he lived above a hotel for a month,
before moving to Bankstown to live and train alongside Danny Green.

Since turning pro, Darchinyan has amassed an impressive 22 wins from as
many fights, claiming 17 by knockout, with his finest victory coming in
Hollywood against Irene Pacheco to claim the world title in December.

“The world is at Vic’s feet now and we’ve just got to make the most
of it,” Fenech said.

“Hopefully the Australian public will come out to support a real
champion.”