By Mark Vester

Power-punching Vic Darchinyan is close to landing a crack at Russia's IBF super flyweight champion Dimitri Kirilov. The fight would take place inthe United States in July or August, with the winner landing a unification fight. Darchinyan's manager, Elias Nasser, told the AAP that he expected the negotiations for the fight with Kirilov to be finalized later this week. Both Showtime and HBO are said to be interested in the fight.

"It's either going to be the first Saturday in July in America or the first Saturday in August, it looks more than likely it will be in July," Nasser said. "The division is heating up because the WBA champion Alexander Munoz is fighting the WBC champion Christian Mijares in May. I have already spoken to both camps and if Vic was to win the fight against Kirilov, there will be a unification fight for a Super champion."

The report says that another scenario, should be beat Kirilov, would involve Darchinyan facing current IBF flyweight champion Nonito Donaire in a rematch. But, Nasser would not agree to a rematch unless Donaire had a title at super flyweight. Gary Shaw promotes Darchinyan and Donaire, and is said to be interested in putting together a rematch between the two.

"Unless he (Donaire) brings something to the table, he won't be getting a free shot at the world title, unless he is a world champion (himself)," Nasser said. "I'm not going to throw Vic in against Donaire for no reason. The only super flyweight world title that is still available is Fernando Montiel (WBO). If he (Donaire) does fight for a (super flyweight) world title, he will definitely be our next fight."

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