VARGAS EARNED HIS RIGHT TO LAND THE DE LA HOYA FIGHT
By Ron Brashear
Inside Boxing Writer/Columnist
INSIDE BOXING (8/31/02)- Fernando "The Aztec Warrior" Vargas, who
is
currently the WBA Super Welterweight Champion (22-1, 20 KOs), is a testimony
of what sheer determination and courage can do for you. It can land you a
lucrative Seven Million dollar payday and an opportunity to take on one of
Boxing's hottest Superstars of all time!
On September 14th, Fernando Vargas will challenge "The Golden Boy", Oscar De La Hoya in what should be a very action-packed fight that is a sure bet to provide a great deal of entertainment. Vargas, the 24-year-old cross-town rival to De La Hoya in Southern Los Angeles, has the courage of a Lion, and a heart of a Champion. It's these attributes in Vargas that is legitimizing this event, titled BAD BLOOD!
There shouldn't be any surprises in what you get from Fernando Vargas come 9/14. He is going to bring his will to win and when you factor in the animosity between these two combatants, it sets the stage for an intriguing evening. While Vargas has been very impressive in his 22 victories as a professional fighter, for me, it was how this Champion performed in route to his only loss that impressed me the most. In December of 2000 when Felix Trinidad stopped him in the 12th and final round, it became obvisious that there is NO QUIT in this warrior.
A lot can be said about a Champion that can continue to get up off the canvass and compete. Vargas was knocked down a total of five times but yet refused to stay down and showed his true heart and courage in accepting defeat. This will be Vargas' 3rd fight coming off that devastating loss against Trinidad. Since then, he stopped Wilfredo Rivera in six rounds in May of 2001, and KOed Shibata Flores in seven rounds in September of 2001.
What is uncertain about Vargas that we don't know is, how is he going to react to a Superior Boxer who is able to land their shots, then get out of the way and prevent him from landing his shots? This can become very frustrating and have Vargas very desperate going into the late rounds trying to come from behind on points to defeat De La Hoya. I could be wrong here, but it's hard to imagine that Vargas will be able to leave the ring with a victory over the "well-polished" Golden Boy of boxing. Fernando has the full menu of attributes you look for in a Champion. However, the one advantage that De La Hoya has that should be too much to overcome is pure boxing talent from both a mental and physical standpoint. Moreover, Oscar's experience (22-2 in World Champion Fights), is what, in all likelihood, will make the difference.
Nevertheless, make no mistakes about it; Fernando has earned his right to the land this fight! So tune in on HBO's PAY PER VIEW on September 14th to watch this drama unfold.
The Inside Boxing Crew will be on hand live in Las Vegas bringing you the INSIDE coverage from Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino.
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Ron Brashear can be contacted at brashear@insideboxing.com, ron@brasheargear.com