Photos by Tom Casino/SHOWTIME — Vic Darchinyan talked a big game in the days leading up to his world championship showdown with Dimitri Kirilov on Saturday, but can he back up those challenging and threatening words after his last two outings? Dimitri “The Baby” Kirilov (29-3-1, 9 KOs) will defend his International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight against title against former IBF flyweight champion and knockout artist Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan (29-1-1, 23 KOs) live this Saturday on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast.).
In the co-feature, U.S. Olympian and undefeated prospect Andre “The Matrix” Dirrell (15-0, 10 KOs) will put his flawless record on the line against fellow unbeaten Mike “The Persecutor” Paschall (17-0-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight brawl.
The telecast will originate from the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Wash., and is promoted by Gotham Boxing, Inc.
Here’s what the fighters had to say just two days before they battle in the ring:
DIMITRI KIRILOV:
“Darchinyan has a very unorthodox style, but it makes no difference. I will fight the way I always have. I will use my boxing skills and strategy to keep him off me.
“It does not matter how much power he has or he says he has. I’ve been in the ring with big punchers before. Whatever Vic Darchinyan has, it’s not enough to beat me.
“Freddie (Roach, his trainer) tells me ‘The bigger they punch, the harder they punch, the harder they fall.’
“I feel very at home in Tacoma and I’m looking forward to defending my title on Saturday.”
VIC DARCHINYAN:
“Kirilov has never been KO’d before. He’s going to get his first knockout this Saturday.
“I have not made any changes in my game plan. Against Nonito Donaire, I just got caught, that’s all. If anything, I am more focused than I ever was before. My left hand is much stronger. My right hand is faster.
”I never respect my opponents before I fight them. I respect them only after I knock them out. I help them wake up and help them to their corner.
“I am here as a proud rep of my home town of Vanadzor, Armenia. I am also very proud to fight out of Australia.
“I am here to put on another exciting show for SHOWTIME. I am going to fill up your highlight reel.
“Everyone at the Emerald Queen Casino is going to hear my punches, lefts and rights. The people come out to watch the KO and that’s what I am here for.
“Freddie Roach (Kirilov’s trainer) says I am predictable. The only thing he can predict is that his boy is going to get knocked out.”