DeMarco Motivated By Sister's Illness To Shock Vargas

By Miguel Rivera

Former champion Antonio DeMarco (31-3-1, 23KOs) has hit the Philippines, where the boxer is training for his November 22nd title fight. He will challenge for "regular" super lightweight championship of the World Boxing Association, which is currently held by Jessie Vargas. DeMarco finds additional motivation after leaning that his sister was diagnosed with cancer.

The fight with Vargas takes place on the Manny Pacquiao-Chris Algieri undercard from Macau, China. DeMarco is training with Hall of Fame coach Freddie Roach, who also trains Pacquiao.

"Since I arrived in the Philippines I liked the climate, it is very similar to my dear Los Mochis. It was harder to leave my daughters, my wife, and know that my younger sister was diagnosed cancer," DeMarco told ESPN Deportes. "I'm willing to go all out for that title. I've never before felt so motivated to give the best fight of my life. Now I know why I'm fighting, and I will fight for the life of my sister."