VIC Darchinyan re-ignited his quest for world domination last night – but not before being threatened with the greatest upset of his career by under-rated Filipino Frederico Catubay.
Claming the vacant IBO super flyweight world title, Darchinyan recorded his first win since losing his IBF and IBO flyweight titles to another Filipino, Nonito Donaire in July.
Requiring the entire 12-rounds to claim Catubay’s scalp, overwhelming favourite Darchinyan admitted his corageous opponent had frustrated him to the near-point of defeat.
It was also Darchinyan’s first fight in Australia for 26 months – his past five fights billed in Las Vegas – and the Armenian-born power puncher needed every bit of his class to deliver for the loyal Auburn RSL crowd measured at just under 1000.
“It was a hard fight…he was tough and it’s actually good because I can now learn from my mistakes,” Darchinyan said.
A corageous Catuaby simply failed to give in despite a mass of head and body blows that earned great respect from the biased crowd.
Catabay, 27, boasted a record of 20-13 ahead of the bout but unlike stablemate and fellow countryman Donaire, he was unable to outlast the aggression of an inspired Darchinyan.
“I’m happy to get this win. I want to win my world title but I’m not yet sure about a re-match with Donaire,” Darchinyan said.
“That’s something my manager will have to work out.”
Provoking the heavy favourite with cunning `is that all you’ve got gestures’ throughout the bout, Catabay’s schoolboy tactics seemed to rattle Darchinyan.
It was with the progression of every round that Darchinyan elevated his control of the fight, although the courage of the Filipino clearly frustrated Darchinyan – who was expected to walk through his rival.
In the lead-up to the bout Darchinyan spoke of his desire to relax and absorb his rival, rather than continue his rapid-fire crowd-pleasing style that ultimalty brought about his downfall against Donaire.
The adjustment in style left Darchinyan akwardly close to defeat with the 31-year-old holding onto to record his 29th victory.
Darchinyan said he now plans to fight on the undercard of Danny Green’s world title bout in New York on December 1.
