By Rey Danseco
DIOSDADO Gabi has earned the respect of IBF flyweight champ Vic Darchinyan despite his unexpectedly loss by way of a lucky punch in their title bout on March 3 at Chumash Resort and Casino in Santa Ynez, California.
"He's a tough fighter who took tremendous punches," said Darchinyan, who improved to unblemished 25-0 with 20 knockouts after his 8th round TKO win over the game challenger Gabi.
Darchinyan, an Armenian representative in Sydney Olympics, admitted he had a hard time containing Gabi’s variety of punches, particularly in early rounds, until his trainer Jeff Fenech figured out his right tactics in the fight.
"Gabi did well in the fight. But my trainer told me to relax and to let Gabi come towards me. I started to move and that is when I was able to catch him more,” said Darchinyan, referring in his controlled wildness began to have an effect on Gabi.
Gabi showed a great defense on the awkward yet powerful champion’s hard punches from all angles during the first three rounds.
But Darchinyan employed bully tactics in the fourth, shoving Gabi down which correctly ruled as slip by referee David Mendoza.
By the seventh, above eyes of the top ranked contender’s was swollen. However, beneath of Darchinyan’s left eye was also puffy.
DONAIRE, ALBUQUERQUE DRAW
Meanwhile, another Filipino had fought in the same card. Former WBO Asia Pacific flyweight champ Glenn “Filipino Bomber” Donaire (15-2-1, 9 KOs) fought in spirited six round majority decision draw with Brazilian Jose Albuquerque (6-1-2, 2 KOs).
Donaire earned 58-56 in one judge score card, while the two other judges had the bout even at 57-57.
Donaire, 26, older brother of newly crowned WBC North American super flyweight champ Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr., wants a rematch with Albuquerque.
