Bantamweight title showdown starts
Joseph Agbeko wants his title back. Vic Darchinyan wants to show he’s
the best man. Abner Mares sees himself as a champion for the people. And
unbeaten Yonnhy Perez has the prize they all want.
Four of the world’s top bantamweight fighters compete in a tournament
that starts Saturday, a mix of youth and experience showcasing fighters
who have a history with one another and of staging exciting bouts.
Colombia’s Perez, 20-0 with one drawn and 14 knockouts, defends his
International Boxing Federation title against Ghana’s former world
champion Agbeko, 27-2 with 22 knockouts.
The other semi-final sends Armenian-born Australian southpaw
ex-champion Darchinyan, 35-2 with one draw and 27 knockouts, against
Mexico’s unbeaten Mares, 20-0 with one drawn and 13 knockouts.
Perez took a unanimous 12-round decision over Agbeko for the title
last year.
“This is going to be a great war just like the first one was,” Perez
said. “I know how good of a fighter Agbeko is, I saw and felt him in the
ring. I know he is prepared technically and he will try to take the
belt.
“But I’ve prepared myself to keep the belt. No one will take it away
from me.”
Agbeko is out for revenge.
“I was the champion and I lost it to Yonnhy Perez,” the African-born
fighter said. “I have really been working hard for this fight. It’s the
fight of my life, the fight of my career. I have to win this fight to
become a champion again. I believe I am going to win.”
In his only fight since beating Agbeko, Perez settled for a draw with
Mares last May in Los Angeles, the Mexican serving notice he is a threat
for the crown as well.
AFP |