On October 31st of last year Joseph ?King Kong? Agbeko and Yonnhy Perez produced one of the year?s finest fights as the two Bantamweights went full throttle for twelve pulsating rounds in Las Vegas. When the dust had settled Perez came away with a unanimous decision and also laid claim to the IBF crown that Agbeko proudly had possessed. The fight was a back and forth affair that could have gone either way and it?s only fitting that the two men will meet again on November 6th.
Following his victory of Agbeko, Perez would later meet the challenge of Montebello’s Abner Mares this pat May. In yet another wildly entertaining fight full of exchanges, the two men would battle to a draw with each man claiming that they had done enough to win. In front of the crowd at the Staples Center we were able to witness the potential of Mares, who went from a fighter with much hype to one who had proven himself in several areas despite not coming away with the win.
Looking to get back on the horse, Mares will meet up with power-punching Armenian Vic Darchinyan in a fight that will serve as the co-feature to the Perez-Agbeko rematch. Darchinyan has had a roller coaster ride of sorts in the sport over the past couple of years and a fight against the younger and presumably bigger Mares will be no easy task.
Darchinyan went undefeated in his first 28 fights before meeting up with Nonito ?The Filipino Flash? Donaire in July of 2007 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Darchinyan was completely dismissive of his younger foe heading into the fight but inside of the ring he was befuddled and beaten to the punch. A sweeping left hook from Donaire would drop Darchinyan hard in the fifth and despite attempting to rise on wobbly legs he was in no shape to continue, suffering his first loss in bitter fashion.
In early 2008 Vic fought Z Gorres to a split draw but he would soon regroup and come up with three memorable victories thereafter. Darchinyan bludgeoned Russia?s Dmitry Kirillov in August, shocked Cristian Mijares three months later with a ninth round stoppage in Carson, California and defeated rival Jorge Arce in February of 2009 via 11th round stoppage. Darchinyan was back on track but little did he know the danger that was waiting for him.
The Armenian was always said to have too big of a head for his own good and this seemed to be the case as he prepared to meet Agbeko in July of that year at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. Darchinyan seemed to discredit his Ghanaian foe beforehand but on the night of the fight Agbeko fought a controlled and fundamental battle, beating Darchinyan in every aspect of the fight game over twelve fast-paced rounds. Darchinyan was humbled and despite winning three times since his back seems to be against the wall in his fight with Perez.
All one has to do is take one look at this card to realize how much talent exists at 118 pounds. Outside of the four quality fighters on November 6th you also have Nonito Donaire and Fernando Montiel rumored for a huge bout later in the year. Depending on how everything plays out those six fighters could make for some engaging matchups in the years to come.
For a picture by picture look at Darchinyan, Mares, Perez, and Agbeko please continue on to the slideshow below?
