Perez says he'll KO Darchinyan, wants Agbeko-Mares winner

Former 118-pound beltholder Yonnhy Perez is so confident that he will beat former flyweight and 115-pound titleholder Vic Darchinyan when they fight in the consolation match of Showtime’s bantamweight tournament in Los Angeles on April 23, that he’s already thinking about challenging the winner of the finals, which will headline the card at the Nokia Theatre.

The anticipated finals of the tournament pits two-time titleholder Joseph Agbeko against Abner Mares. Perez has split two 12-round bouts with Agbeko, winning their first match in a 2009 fight of the year candidate and losing the rematch (and the title) last December. The Southern California-based Colombian fought Mares to a draw in another fight of the year candidate last September.

“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 told media at a recent open workout at his gym in Santa Fe Springs, Calif. “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.’’

Perez (20-1-1, 14 knockouts) appears sure than he can handle Darchinyan (35-3-1, 27 KOs), a feared puncher at 112 and 115 pounds, who has lost decisions to both Agbeko and Mares in bantamweight bouts

“Darchinyan is a great fighter but he has faded in his last couple of losses,” Perez said. “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.’’ 

Photo by Carlos Baeza/Thompson Boxing