IT’S understandable that International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan is looking past Diosdado “Prince” Gabi of the Philippines.
Yes, Darchinyan has a ring date with Gabi when the Armenian-born Australian stakes his crown on March 3 in Santa Ynez, California against the Filipino fighter.
But, other than that, the name Gabi does not ring a bell in Darchinyan’s head.
That’s because the challenger has yet to make an impact outside his country, having fought just once on American soil since arriving in California in August of 2005.
Never mind Gabi’s record of 26-2-1 with 18 KOs, Darchinyan is holding a fantastic record himself of 24-0 with 19 KOs, earning him the tag “Raging Bull” because of his ability to flatten opponent after opponent with his trademark non-stop two-fisted attack.
So, it’s no wonder why Darchinyan has been looking past his date with Gabi on March 3. The champion has set his eyes on WBC interim flyweight titlist Jorge Arce.
“I will beat him,” Darchinyan said of Gabi, confident of making him victim no. 25 — preferably KO victim No. 20.
Darchinyan may have spoken too soon.
The 26-year-old Gabi is the same fighter whom WBC flyweight champ Pongsaklek Wongjongkam of Thailand has been avoiding like a plague.
He, unlike Darchinyan, is fully aware of what Gabi can do to an opponent.
The Filipino fighter from Barangay Lasang, Davao City was supposed to challenge Wongjongkam for the world title in October of 2004 but the Thai champ backed out at the last minute. Many say for good reason.
Having been deprived of a golden opportunity to fight for a title, Gabi never gave up, however. He left for America in search of a big break, in the process leaving behind a wife and his 11-month-old son.
With already one chance having slipped away, Gabi does not want to let his clash with Darchinyan to be scuttled for whatever reason.
March 3, 2006 is his date with destiny. Move over Manny and Brian and make room for Diosdado “Prince” Gabi. This could be his coronation as “King” of flyweights of the International Boxing Federation.
