CALIFORNIA: Armenian-Australian Vic Darchinyan retained his WBA and WBC super flyweight titles by handing out a brutal beating to unheralded Mexican Rodrigo Guerrero over 12 rounds in Rancho Mirage, California.

The 34-year old Sydney southpaw completely controlled the fight against a brave but totally outclassed opponent.

The judges scored the fight in favour of Darchinyan with margins of 120-108, 118-110 and 117-111.

Guerrero frequently came forward and tried to push the pace, but he lacked the power and technique to worry Darchinyan.

Living up to his promise to be patient against an opponent he had not seen any footage of, Darchinyan threw power punches sparingly in the early rounds.

The second half of the fight turned into a clinic as Darchinyan landed countless hurtful blows to the head of his opponent, who was cut over the right eye.

The victory improved Darchinyan's professional record to 34-2-1 with 27 Knockouts.

Guerrero's record dropped to 13-2 with 9 Knockouts.