Michael Marley
11/1/2008

 He did not win the popular vote, as the vast majority of boxing pundits predicted that he would be a loser. But “Raging Bull” Vic Darchinyan turned in a career best performance at age 32 Saturday night in Carson, Ca., to shock Mexico’s Cristian Mijares with a ninth-round KO.

 

The 5-5 ½ sparkplug southpaw ran his record to 31-1-1 and notched his 25th knockout in winning the WBA, WBC and IBF light flyweight titles. The Australian, who emigrated to Sydney from Armenia, completely dominated the bout at the Home Depot Center from the opening bell.

 

“All the writers…I told you I was going to be ready for this fight,” Darchinyan said. “I keep my promise. I delivered.”

 

Six of 32 pugilistic pundits polled by Showtime said Darchinyan would win.

 

This was a vastly different Darchinyan than the fighter who got stopped in five rounds by Pinoy world champ Nonito Donaire or even the one who got the short end of the stick in a Cebu draw against Z Gorres.

 

Darchinyan established control quickly, flooring Mijares in the opening round and then decking him in the ninth. Mijares was counted 10 and out at the three minute mark.

 

Promoter Gary Shaw said Darchinyan would likely move up now to 118 pounds to collect more title belts.

 

Another possible move would be for Darchinyan to fight popular Mexican Jorge Arce, who lost to Mijares.

 

All three judges had it 79-72 for Darchinyan at the finish.

 

It was a crushing disappointment for Mijares and for his promoter, Lou DiBella.

 

Mijares’ record dropped to 36-4-2. Mijares is a lefthander who stands 5-6.

 

As for DiBella, he’ll be hoping for better luck Nov. 15 when his Jermain Taylor fights Jeff Lacy and Nov. 22 as Paulie Malignaggi fights Ricky Hatton.

 

Shaw, on the other hand, is on a bit of a roll and you can be sure that his roll is heavily buttered.

 

(mlcmarley@aol.com)