New York, NY – Closing out an immensely entertaining and action packed first quarter of 2011, this week’s savagery is headlined by an explosively intriguing main event.
SHOWTIME’S “OTHER” GROUND BREAKING TOURNEY IN SPOTLIGHT
Last winter, by pitting four of the top bantamweight (118 lbs) fighters in a two bout, single-elimination “winner takes all” tournament to determine supremacy in their respective weight class, another innovative concept from the “suits” at Showtime surfaced and a great night of boxing ensued. Here’s the low down of the throw down that transpired on that eve: In a rematch of their 2009 war, Yonnhy Perez won a rematch over Joseph Agbeko (UD 12) while Abner Mares earned a unanimous nod from the judges against Vic Darchinyan over 12 rounds. The finale was slated for this Saturday matching Mares against Agbeko for the championship bout of the tournament. However, a back injury sustained to Agbeko forced him to postpone. Despite the main event being put on the shelf; the card will go on with lower tier combatants Vic “The Raging Bull” Darchinyan (35-3-1, 27 KOs) and Yonnhy “El Colombiano” Perez (20-1-1, 14 KOs) in the limelight in a scheduled 12 round affair from the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, California at 10:30 PM ET on Showtime.
IS THE BULL JUST BULL?
Before being dropped by Nonito Donaire by a single shot in the fifth round of their championship encounter, vicious puncher Vic Darchinyan won his first 28 fights (22 by way of knockout) and was viewed by many experts to be “the real deal.” After the crushing set back at the hands of Donaire, a determined Darchinyan made changes in his game and went on to impressively win against formidable opposition. However, Vic eventually suffered another setback against former champ Joseph Agbeko (L UD 12). After the loss, Vic would again mount a comeback, and look impressive by showcasing controlled aggression by dismantling Tomas Rojas in just two rounds. Since, Vic has won two out his last three, most recently losing on points to Abner Mares.
YONNHY DANGEROUSLY
A murderous puncher; Yhonny Perez burst on the scene winning an impressive 18 straight bouts with 14 knockouts. In his 19th contest; Perez was offered a shot at the IBF crown. In his first world title affair; Yonnhy beat on the always game Silence Mabuza like a rock drummer en route to a 12 round stoppage. Thereafter, Perez earned a decision in a “toe to toe” war against Joseph Agbeko (W UD 12). Since, Yonnhy retained his belt in a draw against Abner Mares then lost his crown to Joseph Agbeko in a 12 round decision.
A PLETHORA OF POWER AT PLAY
Albeit very different in styles, these pugs have much in common. Both throw massive amount of punches and statistically have 41 knockouts in 61 fights. Darchinyan has turned the lights out of five of his last ten opponents while Perez has whacked out the same. If Vic and Yonnhy bring their best game to the dance one can expect a fiery display of fistic combat.
ESPN JOINT TONIGHT!
As per usual, the popular fight series “ESPN Friday Night Fights” kicks off the boxing weekend. Each installment of the decorated series features news, analysis of upcoming bouts, interviews, celebrity guests offering insight into the world of boxing, and competitive scraps. This week; Amir Khan conqueror Breidis Prescott (23-2, 19 KOs) squares off against rugged thug Bayan Jargal (15-1-3, 10 KOs) over 10 or less welterweight (147) rounds of thrown down at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, at 10:30 PM ET on ESPN 2.
John Signorella