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By Jake Donovan - Former flyweight titlist Vic Darchinyan began 2008 on the comeback trail, and ended the year as a unified three-belt champion and strong contender for Fighter of the Year.
With Manny Pacquiao, last year’s winner, not fighting until May, Darchinyan jumped out to an early start in 2009, adding to his impressive run of collecting junior bantamweight scalps with a systematic beatodwn of Jorge Arce. A grudge match three years into the making, Darchinyan dominated throughout en route to an 11th round knockout in their Showtime-televised main event.
The bout aired live from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
The crowd never seemed to know which way to root for much of the high-contact affair. The night began with Arce enjoying makeshift hometown advantage, with Darchinyan entering the arena to a chorus of boos. It was the only disadvantage he’d encounter all night, one he seemed to embrace as he bore a sinister grin on his face all the way to the ring and through the ropes.
Once the action was underway, the rabid fans in the house simply cheered the action no matter who was on the delivering end. There was plenty to root for, even if it meant dedicating its applause to the man they originally came to despise. [details]
With Manny Pacquiao, last year’s winner, not fighting until May, Darchinyan jumped out to an early start in 2009, adding to his impressive run of collecting junior bantamweight scalps with a systematic beatodwn of Jorge Arce. A grudge match three years into the making, Darchinyan dominated throughout en route to an 11th round knockout in their Showtime-televised main event.
The bout aired live from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
The crowd never seemed to know which way to root for much of the high-contact affair. The night began with Arce enjoying makeshift hometown advantage, with Darchinyan entering the arena to a chorus of boos. It was the only disadvantage he’d encounter all night, one he seemed to embrace as he bore a sinister grin on his face all the way to the ring and through the ropes.
Once the action was underway, the rabid fans in the house simply cheered the action no matter who was on the delivering end. There was plenty to root for, even if it meant dedicating its applause to the man they originally came to despise. [details]
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