JEFF FENECH PUG STEALS SHO BOX SHOW!
Santa Ynez, CA-IBF flyweight champion, Vic Darchinyan overcame a slow start to score a one-punch knockout against a game Diosdado Gabi, at the 2:42 mark of the eighth round. Darchinyan’s awkward style would work against him in the first three rounds, as the much smaller Gabi was able to work his way in behind clean jabs and crisp body shots. However, Gabi’s punches lacked power and as things progressed, the Armenian-Australian began to use his strength to wear out his challenger.
SIZE AND POWER WAS JUST TOO MUCH!
After the third round, Darchinyan got into his “zone” and started landing super hard (but telegraphed) straight lefts that began to take their toll on Gabi, now 26-3-1 (19 KO’s). Gabi was able to counter the shots at time with hook to the body and looping shots to the top of Vic’s head, but those assaults became more infrequent as the fight progressed. Darchinyan’s slugger style also made it difficult for Gabi because the “Raging Bull” used bully like tactics, shoving Gabi down multiple times in rounds six and seven. Referee David Mendoza was one “more” push away from deducting a point from the still undefeated champion, now 25-0 (20 KO’s).
FATIGUED GABI DROPPED HIS HANDS!
In the last round, Darchinyan began to work more combinations, specifically the left hand, which Gabi could not avoid. Late in the eighth, Gabi slipped a one-two combo by Vic, but Gabi dropped his hand, and for the first time in the fight Darchinyan did not back off. Instead he continued to press, landing a devastating straight left (from the southpaw stance) on fellow lefty Gabi. Gabi crashed to the floor as the right side of his face immediately swelled. The gutsy warrior managed to get up at the count of nine, but his eyes were still glassy and he was clearly out on his feet. Referee Mendoza saved Gabi from unnecessary punishment calling a halt to the bout.
VIC NEEDS TO FINE TOOL THE SKILLS!
Vic Darchinyan solely relied on his roughhouse tactics and natural power to win the fight. He was successful against the much smaller Gabi, who was at least three inches shorter. That being said, it would be hard to bet on him if he were to face WBC interim flyweight champion Jorge Arce. Vic is not that hard to hit, but his power is definitely an “X” factor which could be enough against most flyweights, which has become one of boxing’s top weight classes.
