THE UNDENIABLE ABILITY OF VIC DARCHINYAN
By Chris Robinson
8countnews.com, ma
009-01-23.html
Jan 23 2009
Maybe it’s just me, but Vic Darchinyan doesn’t come across as the most
likeable guy. Darchinyan, the current IBF, WBA, and WBC Super Flyweight
Champion, has had a history of pre-fight trash talking theatrics and
an overall dismissive approach towards his opponents. Leading into
his February 7th bout against Jorge Arce, Darchinyan is again in rare
form, calling the former champion ‘a disgrace to Mexican boxing’ and
stating that Arce is ‘stupid’ and that the fight will end up with him
‘bei ng carried out of the ring’.
Darchinyan’s verbal assaults before every fight is what we have all
become accustomed to, as the Armenian born, Australian resident is
full of bravado and confidence. Some are turned off by Darchinyan
and relished seeing his knockout loss at the hands of young Nonito
Donaire, while others simply love Darchinyan’s all out attack while
inside of the ropes. Whether fighting or trash talking, it’s obvious
that Darchinyan is a bit rough around the edges.
Before his ill-fated bout against Donaire, Darchinyan was undefeated
and riding a wave of confidence that had those around him left with the
impression that he considered himself nearly invincible. Darchinyan’s
ego was given a reality check that night, in the form of a flush
left hook that had the ‘Raging Bull’ tasting canvas in the 5th
round. Darchinyan attempted to rise but instead stumbled to the ropes,
prompting referee Eddie Claudio to call a halt to the bout. The
knockout was sweet vindication for his detractors and served as a
serious wake up call for Darchinyan.
After such a crushing loss it was debatable how well Darchinyan would
recover but in that time since he has gone on to show his true worth
as a fighter. A move up in weight signaled a new beginning for Vic,
and despite some question marks being raised with a February 2008
Draw with Z Gorres, Darchinyan soon began to get things rolling.
In August of last year Darchinyan met widely respected Dimitri Kirilov
in an attempt to wrestle the IBF Super Flyweight belt away from his
Russian foe. The bout started fast and furious and we soon began seeing
glimpses of the old Darchinyan, as the southpaw bludgeoned Kirilov with
stiff combinations from the outset. In a brutal and dominant affair,
Darchinyan controlled the tempo in every round and had Kirilov reeling
in the 5th. A knockout followed moments later an d Darchinyan had
restored much of the luster that was lost from his bout with Donaire.
The win rejuvenated Darchinyan’s career and just three months later
he jumped back into the fire against dangerous and highly skilled
WBA and WBC Champion Cristian Mijares. Mijares’ boxing ability and
overall skillset were expected to give Darchinyan many trying moments
but the bout soon played out as a showcase outing for the ‘Raging
Bull’. Darchinyan overcame Mijares’ style with raw aggression and
power punching. Leading 79-72 on all three cards heading into the 9th,
Darchinyan ended matters towards the end of the round with a volley
of left hand bombs. An intriguing bout on paper ended up being a
one-sided contest in Vic’s favor and served as notice to the boxing
wo rld that the ‘Bull’ was officially back.
Vic Darchinyan will never win ‘Man of the Year’ and his unruly
attitude goes hand in hand wit h a style inside of the ropes that
isn’t technically appealing to watch. Regardless, Darchinyan must be
given much credit for the way he bounced back from his devastating
loss to Donaire to again rise through the championship ranks in a new
weight class. While not always easy to take, there is an undeniable
ability that Vic Darchinyan has about himself and that’s why he will
always be dangerous.