Vargas Very Happy To Have Had Extra Testing To Clear Name

By Ryan Burton

WBC super featherweight champion Francisco Vargas (23-0-1) quickly proclaimed his innocence after failing a VADA drug test from his Mexico City, Mexico training camp. Vargas was in the early stages of his camp for his HBO headlining battle against Orlando Salido (43-12-3) when he tested positive for the steroid Clenbuterol.

The steroid is commonly used in Mexico to fatten up beef and several Mexican athletes - including soccer players on the national team - have tested positive for the steroid.

Since the positive test, Vargas has moved his camp to the Los Angeles area and has been subjected to more random tests than any other boxer in the history of the sport. It should be noted that he has passed every single one.

The 31-year-old said that he doesn't mind taking the extra tests and that he is grateful for the opportunity to prove that he is a clean fighter.

"I am happy that I have taken so many tests and they have all came up clean. I'm a clean fighter and I m glad I can prove that. The extra tests haven't interfered at all. I am happy that it is cleaning my name. If they want to keep testing me after the completion of the fight that is fine.  I am a clean fighter and I want to make sure my name is cleared," Vargas told BoxingScene.com.

Vargas' title winning knockout of Takashi Miura this past November won BoxingScene.com and several other outlets award for Fight of the Year in 2015.  The Mexico native said that the fans are in for another treat when he steps in the ring across from another all-action fighter in Orlando Salido.

"The fans are going to see an exciting fight between two Mexican warriors who are going to give their all in the ring. They are in for a great night of boxing," said Vargas. 

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