It’s not often the defending champion goes into a fight as a clear underdog, especially when he’s making his ninth defense, but that’s exactly what happened when WBA bantamweight champion Anselmo ‘Chemito’ Moreno (32-1-1, 11KO’s) stepped into the ring in Anaheim, California last night to face the highly experienced Armenian puncher Vic Darchinyan (37-4-1, 27KO’s). Like a true champion though, Moreno made a mockery of those odds and controlled Darchinyan with beautiful boxing to romp home a clear unanimous-decision winner on the scorecards after twelve completed rounds.

In case anyone hadn’t heard of him before, Moreno made sure he wont be forgotten in a hurry, putting on a great display of boxing to outwit and humiliate Darchinyan. Using good balance and sharp reflexes, Moreno dodged Darchinyan’s crude, wild punches all night long and countered with effective shots of his own.

Darchinyan was made to look like a clumsy amateur at times, swinging his left hand wildly from the southpaw stance, hitting thin air every time. It wasn’t as if Moreno was running though, and every time Darchinyan missed he was punished with sharp counters from the Panamanian champion. Looking deflated and tired, Darchinyan failed to catch Moreno time and again.

The slower Darchinyan got the faster Moreno looked, and by the later rounds was a level above. Still bouncing on his toes, he began to stand his ground and punish Darchinyan with brutal uppercuts and body shots. It was an impressive coming-out party for Moreno and will have sent a clear message to all bantamweights that a new, genuine force has arrived.

Darchinyan was told before the last round by his corner that he needed a knockout, but despite that Moreno once again stamped his authority, landing twice as many punches as Darchinyan and by the end of the fight the contrast between the two was obvious. Moreno, still looking fresh, celebrated whilst Darchinyan wobbled across to his corner, tired, hurt and beaten. It was a formality when the scorecards were announced, and all three judges awarded the fight to Moreno by scores of 120-107, 117-110 and 115-112.

Where Darchinyan, 35, goes from here is anyone’s guess but Moreno made a real name for himself and will presumably be looking for more big fights and big paydays in the States. Nonito Donaire made his name defeating Darchinyan, so there’s no reason why this can’t also be a catalyst for Moreno’s career.

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