TRINIDAD OVERWHELMS VARGAS
LAS VEGAS (INSIDE BOXING) The much anticipated and promoted junior middleweight title unification bout between Felix "Tito" Trinidad and "Ferocious" Fernando Vargas was nothing short of spectacular. This fight had everything. Both fighters were knocked down. Both fighters were penalized for low blows. Both fighters showed the hearts of true champions. But in the end only one fighter could lay claim to title of "Undisputed Junior Middleweight Champion of the World". That distinction now belongs to Felix "Tito" Trinidad.
TRINIDAD VS VARGAS
Felix Trinidad had predicted a short fight and that prediction nearly came true earlier than even he had anticipated. A minute and a half into the first round and Vargas was hit by a stunning left hook that sent him to the canvas for the first time in his professional career. Not long after that another crushing left hook followed by a crisp overhand right and the crowd at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino was on their feet sensing the end was near. Not only had Vargas been down twice in the first round but everyone was aware that Trinidad is a notoriously slow starter. Amazingly, Fernando Vargas survives the round. Round, Trinidad (10-7). Trinidad 10-7.
Round 2 begins with Trinidad mounting a tremendous assault against the still reeling Vargas. As Trinidad looks to land the big knockout punch Vargas moves back in an attempt to regain his legs. Trinidad lands a long straight left hand that sends Vargas back to the ropes. Again, Vargas survives the round. Round, Trinidad (10-9). Trinidad 20-16.
Vargas seems to have gathered himself at the start of round 3 but still seems unable to deal with the quick left hand of Trinidad. Several close-in clinches result in Vargas being hit very low with an attempted left uppercut. No point is deducted for the infraction but a warning is given Trinidad. Trinidad loses the round because of the deduction. Round, Vargas (10-9). Trinidad 29-26.
Round 4 allows everyone to settle into their seats as Vargas has regained both his composure and legs. Both fighters exchange hard left hooks when suddenly Trinidad lands on the seat of his pants. Up right away Trinidad goes on the defensive. Attempting to compose himself Trinidad holds. A low blow from Trinidad leaves Vargas in agonizing pain. The referee awards Vargas a one point deduction on all score cards. The knockdown plus one point for foul give Vargas a three point round. Round, Vargas (10-7). Fight now even at 36-36.
Vargas now seems in control. Round 5 has Vargas displaying a renewed confidence as he steps to Trinidad and throws hard punches with both hands. The fight seems to be settling in as both fighters are aware that each possess serious punching power. Vargas controls both Trinidad and the pace of the round. Round, Vargas (10-9). Vargas 46-45.
Trinidad reaffirms that the effects of the first round have not totally worn off Vargas. Round 6 has Vargas seemingly unable to avoid the Trinidad left hand. Late in the round Vargas is hurt by a hard left hook. Trinidad looking to close the space between the two to land the big finishing blow but still not able to get close enough. Round, Trinidad (10-9). Fight even at 55-55.
Vargas not being aggressive at the start of the 7th round. He seems to be daring Trinidad to come in and slug it out. Vargas waits for Trinidad to attack while not making any effort to be offensive. Trinidad is not fooled and looks to land a big punch that falls short and low. The referee again deducts one point from Trinidad putting him in the awkward position of a possible disqualification (at the referees’ discretion) should another foul occur. Trinidad loses the round because of the one point deduction. Round, Vargas (10-9). Vargas 65-64.
Round 8 starts with Trinidad showing renewed confidence. He seems to have gotten his second wind. A combination of solid left hooks and overhand rights send Vargas backwards. A slowing Vargas lands a low blow that draws a referees’ warning. Round, Trinidad (10-9). Fight even 74-74.
Vargas’s corner frantic as they sense their fighter losing his mental and physical edge going into the 9th round. Vargas comes out and lands several strong right hands that send Trinidad backpedaling. Trinidad stands his ground while gaining a slight edge by being more aggressive as the round ends. Round, Trinidad (10-9). Trinidad 84-83.
Trinidad begins to take control of the fight. Round 10 has both fighters showing the wear and tear of battle. Trinidads’ right eye is swollen from an earlier unintentional thumb. Vargas’ left eye swollen from an earlier unintentional clash of heads. Vargas is obviously wearing down as he lands another low blow that the referee has no choice but to take away a point for. Trinidad moving closer to his opponent looking for the one shot to end it all. Round, Trinidad (10-8). Trinidad 94-91.
In round 11 Vargas remains a true warrior. He throws hard punches that have Trinidad wary of coming in too close or being too aggressive. Realizing a knockout is probably what it will take to end the fight Vargas seems intent on doing just that. Vargas gives it all in this round. Will he have enough to give the same effort in the final round? Round, Vargas (10-9). Trinidad 103-101).
The 12th and final round has Felix Trinidad displaying all his boxing skills, ring savvy and pure power. The ever game Fernando Vargas has shown that he is truly a "Aztec Warrior" and fights until he can no longer stand. A solid left hook sends Vargas to the canvas as a frantic Mandalay Bay crowd senses the end is near. The warrior that he is Vargas rises. He is immediately attacked by the knockout hungry Trinidad and unable to weather the storm goes down a second time. The stinging missile like left hand is finding its’ mark with serious accuracy. Unable to properly defend himself Vargas is sent down a third and final time as the relentless attack of Felix Trinidad combined with the shear exhaustion of the previous eleven rounds is too much for the "Aztec Warrior" to bear.
Felix "Tito" Trinidad has defeated "Ferocious" Fernando Vargas by TKO in round 12.
TVKO and DON KING PRODUCTIONS were finally able to provide the pay-per-view audience with a main event that was exciting as well as entertaining. Although as much cannot be said for the lackluster undercard.
Mismatches are not good for either the fighters involved or the paying public. It seems that we, the paying public, may not be far from getting what we deserve when we purchase a fight through our local cable provider.