By Mark Vester

Vic Darchinyan (29-1, 23KOs) wanted a tough Filipino opponent in his first bout since being knocked out by Nonito Doniare in July. He got more than he expected at the Auburn RSL Club in Auburn Australia, stopping Frederico Catubay (20-14-3, 11KOs)  in the twelfth and final round to capture the vacant IBO super flyweight title.

Catubay never stopped fighting, taking a lot of flush punches during the fight and frustrated Darchinyan who was unable to put him away early. Catubay tried make the fight a brawl and even stunned Darchinyan in the sixth. Vic took his time, stepping up the pace and came back to knock Catubay down in the seventh and eleventh rounds while landing some heavy shots to the head and body. Catubay took a lot of punishment in the final round, and referee Gary Dean stopped the fight with 57-seconds left. Darchinyan was leading at the time of the stoppage with scores of 110-97, 110-97 and 109-108.

"It was a hard fight...he was tough and it's actually good because I can now learn from my mistakes,'' Darchinyan told The Sydney Herald. "I'm happy to get this win. I want to win my world title but I'm not yet sure about a rematch with Donaire. That's something my manager will have to work out.''

Darchinyan said that he already plans to return to the ring on the undercard of Antonio Tarver-Danny Green at the Foxwoods Resort & Casino on December 1. Rival Nonito Donaire is set to defend his IBF/IBO flyweights titles against Luis Maldonado on the same card.