CEBU — Former world flyweight champion Vic
Darchinyan knows it’s not the proper way to repay the
hospitality of his host, but said he has a job to do.
"Filipino people are very warm, very
friendly. But I’m very sorry, I’m going to knock out your
boy," the 31-year-old Darchinyan said, referring to Filipino
ring prospect Z Gorres whom he battles this coming Saturday at
the Waterfront Hotel and Casino here.
The 12-round fight, promoted by Solar
Sports together with ALA Promotions and Gary Shaw Promotions,
serves as a title eliminator match for the right to challenge
Dmitro Kirilov of Australia for the International Boxing
Federation super-flyweight title.
Darchinyan arrived in the country over the
weekend with a five-man entourage led by manager Elias Nasser.
The Australian fighter of Armenian descent held a public
workout last Monday at the ALA boxing gym at the Banilad Town
Center.
"I’m prepared for this fight. I’m in
perfect condition and I know I’m going to win," he said.
Nasser readily backed up what his ward is
claiming. "You’ll see a lot hungrier and deadly Vic Darchinyan.
He’ll be punching differently this time," he boasted.
Gorres (27-2-1 and 15 KOs) and Darchinyan
(29-1 with 23 KOs) meet face-to-face for the first time
Wednesday during a press conference for the fight at the
Caspian Room of the Waterfront Hotel. The official weigh-in is
set on Friday night.
Darchinyan said he has seen several fights
of Gorres in the past, including the Filipino’s failed title
bid against Fernando Montiel for the World Boxing Organization
super-flyweight belt last year.
"He looks great and fought a very good
fight," said Darchinyan of Gorres. "But I’m much, much better
fighter than Montiel."
