Gabi faces moment of truth: Challenge unbeaten IBF/IBO flyweight champion Darchinyan today in California

The moment of truth beckons for Filipino world title hopeful Diosdado "Prince" Gabi as he goes up against the undefeated IBF/IBO flyweight champion Vic "Raging Bull" Darchinyan of Armenia in a 12-round title bout today at the Chumash Resort Casino in Sta. Ynez, California.

The Darchinyan-Gabi showdown topbills a seven-bout "ShoBox: The New Generation" fight card presented by Gary Shaw Productions. During yesterday official weigh-in, Gabi scaled in at 111 pounds, while Darchinyan tipped the brim at 112 pounds.

"I'm very happy for this opportunity to fight a world champion," said Gabi, who is ranked No.2 by the WBC, No.4 by the IBF, and No.13 by the WBO. "I'm very happy to represent the Philippines and all the people have wished me luck."

Gabi knows the importance of this bout that would either define his career or shrink him back to obscurity. Facing against one of the best flyweight ring gladiators today in Darchinyan would be an added pressure.

"I know that Vic is a good boxer. He throws good amounts of punches. He has very good movement when he boxes," said the Davao City fighter in showing his respect to Darchinyan.

But Gabi is ready to face the challenge and make his fellow countrymen proud, according to his US agent Michael Koncz, who is also the business manager of top ALA fighters in Rey Bautista, Z Gorres, and Czar Amonsot.

"Gabi has been taunted by world title fights," said Koncz."He has waited for a long time. Gabi is happy to fight for a world title. He has great support coming from his hometown. They have prayer meetings for him. He is ready for this title shot."

The 26-year-old Gabi holds a record of 26 wins - 18 via short distance - two losses and one draw, while Darchinyan is unscathed in 24 pro fights with 19 wins via stoppage.

Darchinyan, who earlier boasted he can knock out Gabi anytime he wants, is coming off six consecutive wins via stoppage, but he must not take Gabi lightly as his Filipino foe has never been knocked out in his career.

That mere fact alone guarantees boxing fans in California of another solid night of fistic action.