DeMarco Hopes To Land Jessie Vargas Shot in July

By Salvador Rodriguez

Former lightweight champion Antonio DeMarco says discussions are ongoing for a potential fight with World Boxing Association (WBA) 'regular' champion Jessie Vargas. DeMarco, now trained by Freddie Roach, says a fight with Vargas is far more likely than a potential catch-weight bout against Brandon Rios.

"All I've been told is they are negotiating. In fact I think they were looking at the two fights. At first it was just Rios, but with Jessie's victory it is more likely that I'll face him. I'll be ready for whatever they tell me," said DeMarco.

"I'm still waiting for news, getting ready as if the fight was in July, and I really want to fight. I have been training consistently and hopefully we can get that title shot."

Vargas, who won the belt on April 12 in Las Vegas with a decision over Khabib Allakhverdiev, has a record of 24-0 and 9 knockouts, while DeMarco has a record of 30-3-1 and 23 knockouts.