Vic Darchinyan Goes for 3rd Division Title Against Joseph Agbeko
On Saturday night July 11, champion Vic Darchinyan moves up to bantamweight to challenge IBF title holder Joseph Agbeko on Showtime. The undercard features several interesting fights as well, with lightweight prospect Antonio DeMarco and a battle of two former cruiserweight champions when Steve Cunningham takes on Wayne Braithwaite.
Vic Darchinyan vs. Joseph Agbeko
After unifying the super flyweight division and taking care of a grudge match against Jorge Arce, Vic Darchinyan is moving up to bantamweight to challenge for a world title in his third weight class. Darchinyan, the number 9 pound for pound fighter on the latest list from Pro Boxing Fans, isn’t in with a soft touch either. Joseph Agbeko is a bigger man who packs his own hard punch, and if Vic isn’t prepared, there could be an upset brewing.
Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan
32 (26) – 1 – 1
Former Flyweight and Super Flyweight Champion
Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko
26 (22) – 1
Current IBF Bantamweight Champion
Darchinyan vs. Agbeko Prediction
Since his loss to Nonito Donaire two years ago, Darchinyan has been on a tear. He moved up to super flyweight, grabbed a crown, unified against Cristian Mijares in devastating fashion and disposed of Jorge Arce. All the while he displayed a much more complete game than he ever had in the past. Instead of solely winging wild punches (he still does that) he incorporates effective head movement and sets up his big shots with quick, stinging jabs.
If Darchinyan displays the complete game he has showed against opponents of Mijares’ class, then he in theory shouldn’t have a problem against Agbeko. A possible problem for Vic could arise if he sees that Agbeko isn’t affected by his punches. Agbeko is the naturally bigger man and is certainly capable of catching Darchinyan on his suspect chin.
However, the quality of opposition the two men have faced over their careers is drastically different. Darchinyan will open the bout aggressively as per usual, and Agbeko will attempt to apply his own pressure as well. After a few rounds, don’t be surprised if Darchinyan begins to be frustrated by Agbeko’s game. Hanging in there however, he’ll start mixing in his uppercuts to go along with his devastating straight left and he’ll put Agbeko down to the canvas. Darchinyan by referee or corner stoppage round 9.
