-Photo Credit: Jose Hernandez/BRC-

 

With the Castillo-Corrales tie-breaker canceled, things quickly became the Vic Darchinyan show at the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV - and the defending IBF flyweight champion enjoyed the spotlight with a dazzling display of power punching, as he eventually stopped a game but outgunned Luis Maldonado.

Both warriors entered undefeated with Darchinyan at 25 wins with 20 by KO - Maldonado arrived with 33 credits, a draw and 25 stoppages - and the action carried into numero eight before referee Joe Cortez saw fit to call a halt at the 1:38 mark.

The quick handed southpaw with the assorted unorthodox offense was just too quick on the trigger for the Mexican gamer - and try as Maldonado did, he could not stem the onrushing tide ever in his face.

The handwriting on the wall showed clearly come stanza six when a looping Darchinyan left hand to the head dropped his opponent for a career first - then a monster candle seven followed before the curtain dropped in stanza eight.

Post Scripts: For Darchinyan the unexpected top-billing showcase and subsequent superb performance could well translate to surprising bigger and better things. The flyweights and jr. bantamweight divisions are pretty much a mystery to most fight fans - but not any longer. The guy is explosive with the big left hand - arrives via the straight left variety, the uppercut, and the looping in style delivery - can also use it to the body. Toss in the occasional counter right hook from the southpaw stance and we have one tough hombre. Best news for those that pull the strings, there are others at 112 and 115 that qualify as testers to the Aussie via Armenia little strong man.
                       Luis Maldonado - not a bum by any stretch -  maybe the glittering knockout studded resume` was result of inferior opposition - but the guy has a strong chin and big heart. Problem was the other guy’s sometimes unorthodox actions, coupled with hand speed and major league power in the left mitten.  
                      Referee Joe Cortez aka remember guys I’m fair but firm - easy night work that kept him at bay - finally passing grades that were long overdue.     

 GEL -            

6-3-2006