Perez vows to defeat Darchinyan by knockout in The Bantamweight TournamentApril 12, 2011 - 18:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Former IBF bantamweight champion Yonnhy Perez (20-1-1, 14 KOs), of Santa Fe Springs, proclaimed himself fit and ready for his important 12-round fight against two-division world champion Vic Darchinyan (35-3-1, 27 KOs), of Sydney, Australia, in The Bantamweight Tournament: Winner Takes All on Saturday, April 23 LIVE on SHOWTIME® (10:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles. In the tournament finals, Joseph King Kong Agbeko (28-2, 22 KOs), of the Bronx, N.Y. will defend his IBF 118-pound title against undefeated rising star Abner Mares (21-0-1, 13 KOs), of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif. Perez will be making his initial start since he suffered the lone loss of his career on a 12-round decision to Agbeko in a rematch on Dec. 11, 2010. In his first defense of the title he took from Agbeko on Oct. 31, 2009, Perez boxed a draw with Mares on May 22, 2010, fightnews.com reported. “I want my title back and the best way to do that is to win my next fight and then challenge the winner between (Joseph) Agbeko and (Abner) Mares,” Perez said. “Both Agbeko and Mares got a shot at my title and they were great fights. A rematch against either would be just as exciting as our first fights. “I’m totally recharged and ready to win by knockout. When I win this fight, I will be back in the game,” noted Perez. For his part, Darchinyan said he will win by knockout. Commenting on this, Perez said: “Vic Darchinyan can make any comment he would like to make. It’s a free country and he has the right. (But) His words don’t motivate me. I get my inspiration and my motivation from my family. “Darchinyan is a great fighter but he has faded in his last couple of losses. Abner Mares put him at the door and I am going to put him out. The only thing Darchinyan has going for him is his power punch. I am a natural bantamweight; he is not.” As for Agbeko-Mares bout, Perez said: “I have much respect for Abner Mares and Joseph Agbeko because they are both great fighters. However, Abner Mares is a great friend of mine and I believe he will win.” Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |