Triple Header Boxing Event at the American Bank Building Nov. 9, 2013

by
Joe Calvey, Sr.
Photos by Joe Calvey, Sr.


In boxing, like life, revenge requires opportunity, timing and means. Vic "The Raging Bull" Darchinyan thinks all three are his come Nov. 9th at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi when he meets Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire where also Ramon "Rocky" Martinez, the two time World Boxing Organization’s (WBO) Jr. Lightweight Champion from Puerto Rico faces California’s undefeated former champion Mikey Garcia. A new world champion is guaranteed as the WBO World Junior Middle Weight Championship is on the line between two former U.S. Olympians, number one contender Vanes "The Nightmare" Martirosyan faces the number two contender, Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade.

It’s a rare fight that stirs the imagination when only bragging rights are on the line. Put into perspective this fight will take place in the same building on the same night as not one but two World Championship bouts. But bragging rights in boxing means millions.

Darchinyan, thinks the number 7 is his number. But back on the seventh day of the seventh month in 2007 Donaire knocked him out with a single devastating punch in the 5th round to take away Darchinyan’s International Boxing Federation Feather Weight World Championship. "I took away everything he has" said Donaire, ironically, the owner of a new 7 bedroom house, "I broke him".

The contrast between these fighters couldn’t be more exaggerated. Donaire is like a rock star back in the Philippines. His every move makes the news there. The big story is the recent birth of his son. When the photographers spot him The Flash is more than willing to strike a pose as if he was on the catwalk or up on stage. Make no mistake about it he has fun doing it.

Darchinyan who calls Sydney, Australia home was once described as a brash champion but these days is somewhat lower key. He once broke the jaw of Donaire’s brother Glen and now says of Nonito "I made him, I will break him."
Both men couldn’t be more accommodating to fans and the media however. Each is both approachable but genuinely friendly. But where Donaire seems to always smile Darchinyan seems to scowl even when he is smiling. Corpus Christi fans should take advantage of every public opportunity that leads up to this fight to see the fighters up close and personal.

So more than 6 years after Darchinyan first called for the rematch the opportunity has arrived in this scheduled ten round fight. Prior to this bout Donaire had little reason to schedule a rematch. During the last six years he has been routinely described as the best pound for pound fighter in the world and won 13 times including wins against 10 former world champions.

The timing however favors Darchinyan as Donaire, the 2012 Fighter of the Year, is coming off both a unanimous one sided loss to Cuba’s Guillermo Rigondeaux recent surgery to his right shoulder. The surgery performed this last April was made through three small incisions and repaired torn ligaments. They had bothered Donaire for some time especially after fighting four times in 2012 which included bouts in San Antonio and Houston.

Darchinyan on the other hand is coming off a dominating knockout win in Laredo this past May against a tough but over matched Francisco Gallo. And so Darchinyan, a southpaw, has the means with his big powerful left hand to avenge the loss that sent him into somewhat of a downward spiral.

Also favoring Darchinyan will be one of his corner men or in this case corner woman. Ronda Rousey is the most dangerous woman on the planet and one of the most beautiful as well. The bikini clad UFC Champion graced the cover of this month’s Maxim magazine and she will be in the Raging Bull’s corner for the biggest fight card to hit Corpus Christi in nearly a generation.

Will revenge be sweet for Darchinyan as it was for Donaire? If the fight goes the distance expect Donaire to win close. But if someone hits the canvass early, like Darchinyan did in 2007, it could be Donaire who loses especially if the power in his shoulder falters.