Will Darchinyan Get Back in the Win Column Against Tomas Rojas?
On December 12, Vic “The Raging Bull” Darchinyan takes on Tomas “Gusano” or “Worm” Rojas at the Agua Cliente Casino in California on the undercard of the Timothy Bradley v. Lamont Peterson title fight. For Darchinyan it’s a chance to defend his super flyweight titles after a disappointing debut at bantamweight, and for Rojas it’s a chance to finally win a step-up bout.
Darchinyan-Rojas Preview
Tomas Rojas hasn’t lost a fight in over two years. In that time he has gone 6-0-1, most recently defeating then undefeated prospect Evan Mbamba (16-1) by unanimous decision. The Darchinyan fight will be his sternest test since losing to Jorge Arce in 2007.
Darchinyan (32-2-1, 26 KOs) is the clear favorite in this match-up of southpaws. The Armenian has a deadly left hook that has put numerous fighters to sleep, and made others quit standing up.
Darchinyan also faced off with Arce, and won by doctor stoppage due to cuts in the 11th round to win the WBA Super Flyweight title. In his most recent bout, The Raging Bull fell to Joseph Agbeko by unanimous decision.
While Rojas (32-11-1, 22 KOs) looks to extend his winning streak, Darchinyan hopes to begin a new one.
The Worm has a three-inch height advantage as well as a three-inch reach advantage, but it is unlikely he will use those qualities consistently. When the fight gets moving, Rojas tends to tuck his chin, forget his game plan and swing for the fences while leaving his chin wide open for an Armenian left hook.
Darchinyan isn’t without faults either. He holds his right hand way too low during fights, which got him in trouble when he was knocked out by Nonito Donaire.
Darchinyan-Rojas Prediction
This fight should by all means be a fast paced, action packed war and I have The Raging Bull crushing Gusano in the ninth round. At the end of the day, Darchinyan is simply a better fight than Rojas, with more power and skills, and he will shine in his return performance at a more natural weight class.
