GABI CHALLENGES TOUGH AUSSIE
San Francisco, CA-Underdog Diosdado Gabi looks to shock the flyweight division when he challenges the undefeated IBF champ, Vic Darchinyan, an Armenian who now lives in Sydney, Australia. The bout will take place in the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, which is closest to Santa Barbara, CA. And while Sho Box, a Showtime network presentation that mostly features exciting young prospects, this is the second major title main event in its history.
FILIPINO FIGHTERS ARE ON THE MOVE!
Gabi holds an impressive 26-2-1, (18 KO’s), but he has lost in his two toughest fights. His first loss was in his eleventh pro fight against Thailand’s Rocky Marciano, Samson Dutch Boy Gym (a fighter who retired at 43-0, (36 KO’s) with 40 title defenses of the relatively unknown WBF belt). His second loss was against another undefeated Thai fighter, Sot Sor Veerapol, 14-0, (4 KO’s). Both losses were via unanimous decisions in Thailand. All but one of Gabi’s wins took place in the Philippines with his last win, a four round TD in Stockton, CA. Therefore, Gabi does not bring any distinguishable credentials to his biggest fight of his career. However, he does bring with him one of boxing’s best trainers, Freddie Roach.
FREDDIE SAYS GABI IS READY!
During the teleconference, Roach said, “Gabi is in great shape for the fight. He trained really hard. We had great sparring and we got some big punchers because we know Vic is a very big puncher and a good champion, and a big favorite going into the fight. But Gabi is in great shape and I feel an upset”. Gabi has had good sparring against Brazilian Jose Albuquerque, and undefeated prospect Giovanni Segura, 12-0, (9 KO’s). Roach’s long time friend Rob Peters relayed that “Freddie really wants to beat Jeff Fenech and Darchinyan”. Boxing fans may remember that Jeff Fenech replaced Freddie Roach as Mike Tyson’s trainer in 2005.
VIC IS NO JOKE
Vic Darchinyan, 24-0, (19 KO’s), is currently on a six knockout win streak, which included a 11th round TKO of longtime IBF champion, Irene Pacheco. Word out of Australia is that Darchinyan is too strong for the 112 lb. division. One observer stated that Darchinyan can bench press twice his body mass. There is a reason why he’s called the “Raging Bull” as he is always aggressive and looks for the knockout. Darchinyan, who is a gym rat and is not shy to brag about his power, said during the teleconference, “I am perfectly comfortable with my power and America is the best place you can show your power. I am here and I am very happy and I think when I fight here, everyone will love my style”.
ARCE IS THE MAN PEOPLE WANT!
Darchinyan has stated in the press that he wants to fight Jorge Arce in the future and is probably the only flyweight who can match Arce size and power. The fight will take place this Friday at 11 PM ET & PT. Obviously, the intention of Darchinyan’s promoter, Gary Shaw, is to showcase Darchinyan’s great power and talent against a tough Filipino fighter. Should the Aussie win, it should bring enough interest for an Darchinyan-Arce bout in the near future. However, if Gabi wins, he’ll be the only Filipino citizen to be world champion–a tremendous feat but a tough task.
