VIC TO BE KO KING
By David Lewis
The Daily Telegraph (Australia)
February 21, 2007 Wednesday
State Edition
VIC Darchinyan, the Australian world champion with nitro glycerine
in his gloves, has unveiled an explosive new ploy to lift his profile
in his adopted homeland — first round knockouts.
The Sydney-based, Armenian-raised IBF/IBO flyweight king flies to
Los Angeles today for his sixth title defence, predicting a swift
execution of Mexican Victor Burgos in their March 3 duel in front of
a sell-out crowd at Carson City’s Home Depot Center.
A slow burning fuse primed to ignite in the face of Burgos, Darchinyan
is seeking to remove the blemish of a "technical decision" win over
Filipino Glenn Donaire in his last fight.
He broke Donaire’s jaw in the sixth round of their clash in October
only for the referee to rule an accidental head-butt before stopping
the bout.
Yesterday, an angry and still unbeaten Darchinyan vowed to make Burgos
(39-14-3) pay for the stain on a record which includes 21 knock-outs
from 27 fights.
"I’m tired of playing around with guys and letting them go a few
rounds, I’ve decided to end my fights as fast as possible from now
on, starting against Burgos," said Darchinyan after his final Sydney
workout.
"I’m aiming to knock him out in the first round. there’s no more
messing about. I’m unhappy about what happened against Donaire and
Burgos will be made to suffer."
Two weeks ago, Darchinyan stood alone as Australia’s only world
champion. Now he’s been joined by Lovemore Ndou — the new IBF super
lightweight — and Toowoomba terminator Michael Katsidis, who won the
WBO lightweight crown last weekend. The man with the left hook from
hell added: "It’s a sign of the rise of the sport in this country."
Darchinyan’s own rise has gone almost unnoticed in Australia but the
31-year-old is convinced quick KOs will lift the veil of anonymity.
"It will happen [public acclaim]. It’s just a matter of time,"
he added. "I’m rated among the top 10 fighters in the world when
it comes to excitement and people in America [where his bouts are
ratings winners on the Showtime network) have been taking notice for
a while now.
"I have to be patient in Australia where I have a lot of loyal support
[the Auburn RSL are his main sponsors]."
With a rise through the weight divisions his goal, Darchinyan has
swaggering Mexican Jorge Arce in his sights along with Filipino
superstar Manny Pacquiao. He also plans to challenge the winner of
the main event on March 4 — WBC super bantamweight champion Israel
Vazquez against Rafael Marquez.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress