Moreno Makes US Debut Against Darchinyan on Dec 3rd Agbeko-Mares II Undercard:
Just one month out from the biggest fight of his life and his first in the United States, Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno and his wife Rouss Laguna Moreno found out they are expecting twins.
There are indeed big things ahead for the 26-year-old fighter from Panama City, Panama, who will also be making his Showtime and Golden Boy Promotions debuts, when Moreno will defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) Bantamweight Super Championship against Two-Division World Champion Vic “The Raging Bull’’ Darchinyan on Showtime on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
In the main event, unbeaten rising star Abner Mares will defend his International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver Bantamweight Championship titles against the boxer he dethroned, former two-time IBF 118-pound champion Joseph King Kong Agbeko.
Moreno (31-1-1, 11 KO’s) met his wife after one of his fights in Panama. Rouss’ father is the former lightweight world champion Ismael Laguna, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2001 and the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1999. Anselmo, whose personal website can be found at www.chemitomoreno.com, recently took time out from training camp to answer six questions about himself and his upcoming fight.
QUESTION: What do you expect to see from Vic Darchinyan, who many are calling your toughest opponent to date?
MORENO: “I feel like I’m a strong fighter just like he is. I’m at the point in my career when I’m ready to fight the great ones like a Vic Darchinyan. He has a good record and I have a lot of respect for him. He will be quick and come forward and I’m aware of his power.”
QUESTION: Do you hope to someday have as much success in the United States as fellow Panamanian and New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Riviera has had?
MORENO: “Why not? He worked hard to get where he is in America and now I’m beginning my journey to hopefully get there too. My time is coming to be in the same place. He’s viewed as a hero here, of course, but I have never met him since he has been living in the States.”
QUESTION: Do people recognize you on the streets of Panama?
MORENO: “Yes, people do when I’m out running and they want to stop me and take a picture with me. They stop me in the supermarket and want to meet me. There aren’t too many famous athletes from here and Roberto Duran was the most famous boxer. I know I wouldn’t be recognized walking down the street in Los Angeles now, so that’s what I’m hoping will change after a few more fights in the States.”
QUESTION: Do you think you will have more fans in Anaheim cheering for you than Darchinyan on Dec. 3?
MORENO: “That’s easy, Vic will; just because he’s fought there before and there are lots of Armenians that will be there cheering for him. I do plan on bringing a lot of friends and family from Panama who will be loud and carrying the Panamanian flag. I’ve won big fights in Germany and France, so I’m used to it, but for sure there will be a lot more cheering for Darchinyan.”
QUESTION: What do you plan on doing immediately after the fight?
MORENO: “We always take a week-long trip with the family. We are thinking about the Bahamas this time, but my wife just found out last week she is pregnant with twins, so we’re not sure. We’re very happy about the news and can’t wait.”
QUESTION: What about Disneyland?
MORENO: “No. My wife says she’s in no condition to walk that much or go on any rides. Right now, I’m just concentrating on the fight. My wife wants to talk about our first trip to the United States and California and this and that, but I don’t want to hear anything about that. I’m just so focused right now on the fight.”
