Flores Helping Vargas Prepare For Tim Bradley Clash

By Ben Jacobs

Strength and conditioning coach Cicilio Flores is preparing Jessie Vargas (26-0, 9 KOs) for the biggest fight of his career against Timothy Bradley (31-1-1, 12 KOs) on June 27. Flores, who has worked with the likes of Sergio Martinez and Manny Pacquiao, currently trains Vasyl Lomachenko and gave an update to BoxingScene on the news.

"I signed a contract to work with Jessie," Flores confirmed.

"He's undefeated, he's young, he's hungry and he's exciting. He finds a way to win. He's moving up to 147lbs so I'm working on his speed. It's my first time working with him but I think things are going well.

"My brother was working with him while I was in London (with Evgeny Gradovich) but I was talking to him every day, making sure things go right. He's adjusted to the program. It was a shock to him at first when you're stuck doing the same routine but you have to let him know it's the right thing to do. There's a lot of different ways to train and be a versitile fighter but he's adjusting and enjoying it. That's the type of fighter I like to work with."

Flores is under no illusions about the difficult task his man faces against Bradley who has considerable experience in world title fights.

"Timothy Bradley is a great champion, he always comes in shape. He has great experience so again, it's not an easy fight. It's not a walk in the park."