Gabi going all-out to dethrone Aussie

STA. YNEZ, California — Unfazed by the credentials of Victor Darchinya, Diosdado Gabi said Wednesday he would go flat out when he clashes with reigning the IBF and IBO champion Friday (Saturday in Manila) at the Chumash Casino here.

"Gagawin ko ang lahat para manalo ako at hindi ako natatakot (I will do my best to win and I am not scared of him)," said Gabi, who has trained for two months and has sparred with the best little men at the Wild Card gym of noted American trainer Freddie Roach.

"Pagkakataon ko na ito para lumaban para sa world title kaya ipapakita ko sa lahat ang kakayahan ko sa ring (This is my chance to earn a shot at the world title so I will show what I’ve got)," said Gabi, confident of pulling off an upset over Darchinyan.

The Armenia-born Australian has reportedly took the Filipino fighter lightly, having trained for only four weeks for the bout even as he looked forward this early to clashing with the flamboyant WBC flyweight champion Jorge Arce in the near future.

Darchinyan, however, tried to downplay his chances, saying: "Every fight is a big fight. Yes, it is in my mind (a fight with Arce) but I am going to show him (Gabi) how good I am."

Gabi, who has sparred with world champion Brian Viloria, among others, said that he has prepared a counter-punching game plan to offset the power and height advantage of Darchinyan.

"My fighter is ready 100 percent and he is just two pounds over the limit yesterday," said Roach, who also predicted an upset like the way his most popular ward, Manny Pacquiao, shocked the highly-touted and then champion African Lehlo Ledwaba in 2001.

"I have trained Gabi long enough here and in Davao (Gabi’s hometown). He’s a hard-working kid like any other kid in the Philippines, and I think we can pull through," added Roach.

"We respect the champion’s punching power but we are not gonna run. Gabi’s not gonna lay down this chance for a world title," said Michael Koncz, Gabi’s manager.

Despite the apparent lack of training, the unbeaten Darchinyan (24-0, 19 KOs) said he will emerge victorious in any way, saying he is ready to show the American boxing public how good he is.

"I can knock out anyone and I am going to show him how good I am."

Darchinyan’s coach, three-time world champion Jeff Fenech, said that his ward is ready having sparred for six rounds with guys 20 pounds heavier.