Jessie Vargas: I'm Very Interested in Fighting Keith Thurman

Former two division world champion Jessie Vargas (28-2, 10 KOs) is looking for a major fight when he returns to the ring in the first quarter of 2018.

Earlier this month, Vargas won a ten round unanimous decision over Aaron Herrera at the Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, California. Herrera was down in the sixth round, but managed to last until the final bell.

For Vargas, it was his first bout since losing a twelve round decision to Manny Pacquiao in November 2016, and it was his first bout with new head trainer, Hall of Famer Mike McCallum. And it was his first fight since leaving Top Rank and signing with manager Al Haymon.

Vargas is ready to get back in the ring as soon as possible.

“We don’t have any bumps and bruises, so after eating some tamales and enjoying the holidays I’ll be back in the gym in January or before ready to resume the path toward regaining a world championship," Vargas told Premier Boxing Champions.

Two of the fights on the list of Vargas, include former champions Andre Berto and Devon Alexander.

Andre Berto would make for a great fight because he’s a warrior, and you have Danny Garcia as well,” Vargas said. “If they said Devon Alexander then I’d do it. I would leave Shawn Porter low or last on the list because he’s my close friend and buddy.

“If it was up to me, I’d have gone after a big fight right away, but my advisors suggested knocking off ring rust with a good, 10-round fight."

Vargas wants a world title shot, but he needs to wait a little while - as WBC, WBA world champion Keith Thurman is still rehabbing from elbow surgery and won't return for several months. And IBF world champion Errol Spence will defend his belt next month, for the first time, against Lamont Peterson.

Thurman's handlers are currently looking at Vargas as a potential opponent for next April - which would give the Las Vegas fighter the opportunity to capture his third world title.

“I’m very interested in fighting Thurman,” Vargas said. “My plan is to be back in February or March, and we all know there’s a long list of potential opponents because the division is stacked.”