Flyweight champ Darchinyan inked by Gary Shaw

SANTA YNEZ, CA (February 10, 2006) – Promoter Gary Shaw announced the signing of undefeated IBF/IBO flyweight champion VICTOR DARCHINYAN to an exclusive promotional agreement with Gary Shaw Productions, LLC (http://garyshawproductions.com/).

Darchinyan will be making his next title defense, Friday, March 3, against Diosdado Gabi, world-rated No.2 by the WBC and No. 4 by the IBF, at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, CA. Showtime will televise it live as the main event of “SHOBOX: The New Generation” at 11 P.M. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast.)

Born in Armenia, Darchinyan, 24-0 (19 KOs), resides in Australia where he trains with former world champion Jeff Fenech. Darchinyan captured the IBF title by knocking defending champion Irene Pacheco, in the 11th round of their December 16, 2004 rumble. The undefeated Pacheco, 30-0 (23 KOs),  had successfuly defended his title six times – five by knockout – since winning it in 1999. Darchinyan added the IBO title to his trophy case in his next fight, knocking out Mzukisi Sikali in the eighth round of their title unification bout, March 27, 2005. In his last bout, Darchinyan knocked out Jair Jimenez in the fifth round to retain his titles.

“After I take care of business with Gabi, I want Jorge Arce,” declared Darchinyan. Arce is the interim WBC flyweight champion. “We met face to face in El Paso last week and I told him I wanted to fight him. I loved his response. 'I'll fight you, but remember this was YOUR idea.' He will find out the meaning of 'interim' when he gets into the ring with me!”

“I am very happy to have Vic in the GSP family,” said Shaw. “He may be a flyweight in size, but he is a heavyweight when it comes to power and heart. Vic can fight and I expect him to be a world champion for years to come. I can't wait to see him in the ring on March 3.”

Gabi, 26-2-1 (18 KOs) is from the Philippines and trains at the Wild Card in Hollywood, CA with Freddie Roach. A former WBC International flyweight champion, he returns to the ring riding a four-year, 14-bout unbeaten streak, including eight knockout victories.

Tickets to the Darchinyan-Gabi world flyweight championship are priced at $70, $50, $40, $30 and are on sale at the Chumash Casino Resort box office.  Tickets can also be purchased online through Star Tickets Plus at http://premier.ticketsplus.net/TicketsPlus/pipeline/ticketselect.asp?nt=SHOWDOWN05&sc=SHOWDOWN05.