Vic Darchinyan to celebrate 30th anniversary of his sporting career

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 24, ARMENPRESS. Famous Armenian boxer Vic Darchinyan will celebrate 30th anniversary of his sporting career on January 7, 2014.

The first coach of Vic Darchinyan Vazgen Badalyan informed “Armenpress” that amateur boxing World Champion, winner of the European championships; former professional boxing absolute world champion Vic Darchinyan exactly 30 years ago entered the sports hall of Vanadzor for the first time at the age of 7.

Vic commenced boxing training from the age of 8 within the community in Vanadzor where boxing was very popular. His only trainer was a very experienced Armenian trainer Vazgen Badalyan. He participated in the Armenia Junior Amateur Boxing circuit in the 48 kilograms (108 lbs) class and was Age Champion from the of 12, 13,14, 15 and 16.

In 1993 based on Vic’s successes in the Junior Amateur Championships, the Armenian Amateur Boxing Association selected Vic to represent Armenia in the World Title junior amateur boxing tournament which was held in Istanbul, Turkey. Vic comfortably won 5th place.

In 1994 in order to pursue his amateur boxing career internationally Vic left Armenia in 1994 and commenced training in Russia, city of Sochi. Vic represented Russia in over 10 tournaments. In 1996 Vic was invited by Ukraine to represent Ukraine in the Amateur Boxing Tournaments and he did so by participating in over 8 tournaments up to mid 1997.

In 1997 the Armenian Amateur Boxing Federation, having observed Vic’s successful progress in Russia and Ukraine invited Vic back to Armenia to represent Armenia in the Armenian and International Amateur Boxing circuit. During 1997 Vic represented Armenia in the world title tournament defeating amongst others title holders representing Hungary and Australia. Vic has become 5th. Vic was called by the Armenian Government to a two year National Service and joined the Armenian Army. Recognizing his excellent amateur boxing credentials the Armenian Army allowed Vic to continue his vigorous boxing training during his two year National Service.

In 1998 Vic represented Armenia in the international amateur tournaments like Goodwill Games, where he became 3rd, European Cup taking first place, World Cup becoming 3rd. Accordingly, Vic was honored by the second President of Armenia, Robert Kocharyan, as one of Armenia’s top 10 sporting heroes. This is a very prestigious annual award within Armenia. Vic was also awarded the Armenia “Sporting Masters in Boxing” status.

In 1999 Vic completed his commitments to the Armenian Army and represented Armenia as an Amateur Boxing Champion. Vic again was selected by the President of Armenia as one of the Armenia’s Top 10 Sporting Heroes for the second year in a row. However, this time he was a hero number 7.

While in the U.S. Vic was approached by American managers and promoters to become a professional boxer. However Vic did not accept these invitations as his dream was to represent Armenia in the 2000 Olympics which was to be held in Sydney, Australia.

In 2000 during September 2000 Vic represented Armenia in the Sydney Olympic Games and reached the quarter finals. Vic was approached by Jeff Fenech who observed Vic’s progress during the preliminary bouts at the Olympics and asked Vic to become a professional boxer. Vic accepted to be trained by Jeff Fenech and obtained sponsorship from Mr. Henry Hakobyan, a well respected Armenian businessman living in Sydney.

In 2001 in February 2001 Vic arrived back to Australia with the appropriate visa and to date has had 25 professional fights and remains undefeated with 20 wins by knockout. Vic’s current world titles include: IBF World Champion – Belt, IBO Champion –Belt, Oceania Title, Australian Title, IBF Pan Pacific Title.