RSR Team Picks: Vic Darchinyan vs Yonnhy Perez (vacant IBO bantamweight title)
Complied by Mike Plunkett
With the sudden last minute announcement that the IBF bantamweight title fight between champion Joseph Agbeko and challenger Abner Mares was postponed due to Agbeko suffering the sudden onset of sciatica earlier this week, the Vic Darchinyan vs. Yonnhy Perez supporting bout has been elevated to main event status. This bout is the continuation of the excellent Bantamweight Tournament for the vacant IBO bantamweight title. RSR’s elite team of writers, interviewers and pugilistic prognosticators provide you with their expert opinions on the outcome.
‘Bad’ Brad Berkwitt
Vic Darchinyan is making headlines by saying he is going back to being a slugger instead of the boxer he has become. With Yonnhy Perez, he will be able to get away with this, but a more formidable foe he will not. Vic Darchinyan by stoppage in 7.
Geno McGahee
Yonnhy Perez has some rocky moments to take the decision in the 115-113 range. Tough fight, but Perez will survive and win.
Marc Anthony
Vic has found his boxing since his last fight. Yonnhy is going to be the aggressor with Vic countering, Vic is strong but my feeling is Yonnhy will be stronger. Close fight until Yonnhy stops Vic in the later rounds.
Gina Caliboso
I was completely surprised by Darchinyan’s loss in the first round and I know he wants to win because he’s a fierce competitor. Perez will have to start the fight strong and not let Darchinyan bully him once the bell rings. I predict that Darchinyan will win by 12-round unanimous decision.
Mike Plunkett
For years Vic Darchinyan has been a compelling force in the lower weight classes but in terms of age he has to be considered very much in the autumn of a fine career, despite the fact he is not often referred to in this way. He has blown hot and cold with alarming consistency the last few years and I cannot help but think at this level, and against a fighter of Yonnhy Perez’ ability he comes up short after spending the first half of the bout eating counters. Perez takes it via close unanimous decision.