DARCHINYAN ROCKS FIGHT FANS

Townsville Bulletin
January 31, 2008 Thursday
Australia

FILIPINO fight fans are lavishing rock star treatment on Australian
boxer Vic Darchinyan in the lead-up to his world super flyweight
title eliminator against local hero Z Gorres on Saturday.

An amazed Darchinyan said he was getting far more recognition in Cebu
City than in his adopted home of Sydney.

Before he lost his IBF and IBO flyweight world titles to Nonito
Donaire last July, the Armenian-born slugger had defeated three
Filipino fighters and joked last week he might be public enemy No. 1
in the Philippines.

"I can’t believe how they are treating me very well, they are very
good," Darchinyan said.

"They are recognising me here much more than in Australia."

Darchinyan’s manager Elias Nasser said his fighter had been in huge
demand for autographs and photos.

"He’s like a rock star. It’s unbelievable, he gets stopped every step
he takes," Nasser said.

"I’m very fit, I’m sharp, my speed is very good, I’m very strong,
I feel great, I’m ready for everything," Darchinyan said.

"Vic is absolutely and unbelievably hungry, I truly think that he
will stop Gorres," Nasser said.

Darchinyan completed his sparring last Monday in a light session with
his stablemate Hussein Hussein, who will challenge Donaire in Dubai
on April 4.

Donaire will be at Saturday’s promotion, which also features unbeaten
Australia junior lightweight champion William Kickett in a contest
against Filipino Romeo Jakosalem.