DARCHINYAN SCALES BOXING’S DIZZYING HEIGHTS
Brad Walter
Blacktown Sun
Aug 4 2008
Australia
AFTER becoming only the second Australian boxer, behind Jeff Fenech,
to win world titles in more than one weight division, Vic Darchinyan
wants more.
The Armenian-born, Sydney-based southpaw plans to unify the
super-flyweight belts after stopping Russian champion Dimitri Kirilov
in the fifth round of their IBF world title bout in Washington at
the weekend.
Darchinyan, who six times defended the IBF flyweight title he won in
2004 before losing to Filipino Nonito Donaire last July, also wants
to move up to a heavier division and claim another belt.
The 32-year-old former Olympian’s performance, in which he became
the first boxer to stop Kirilov, has earned Darchinyan the Herald
‘s performer of the week award, presented by Colonial First State.
Ahead 40-36 on all three official scorecards after the opening four
rounds, Darchinyan showed that his pre-fight vow to KO Kirilov was
more than just talk when he dropped the Russian with a left hook and
then moved for the kill when he got to his feet.
A second left put a bloodied Kirilov on his back under the ropes, and
referee Earl Brown counted him out, giving Darchinyan his 30th win –
and the 24th by knockout – in 32 fights since turning professional.
"I trained hard," Darchinyan said. "One year ago, I lost my IBF
flyweight world title belt. After that, my son was born. I want to
give this new IBF world title belt to him. Thank you Ruben, this is
for you."
While Darchinyan has campaigned for a rematch with Donaire in a bid
to avenge his only defeat, he now wants a bout with WBC/WBA world
super-flyweight champion Cristian Mijares from Mexico.
Every Tuesday, the Herald Sport team will announce our most outstanding
performer of the week. The winner could be any Australian team or
individual from a major sport. Readers will select the performers of
the year by voting online in November. Until then, give your feedback
or selections each week on smh.com.au.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
