By Sammy Rozenberg

BoxingScene caught up with the comeback kid, Fernando Vargas. Vargas returns to boxing on March 26th, 2005 against Raymond Joval. Vargas will now compete at the middleweight level of 160 pounds and is looking to make a statement in his return. The bout will be televised on HBO. We spoke to him about his comeback, the possibility of coming back to 154 and potential bouts against Felix Trinidad and Winky Wright.

BoxingScene: Your coming back to the ring in a few short weeks on March 26th against Raymond Joval. How good does it feel to come back?

Vargas: It feels real good to be back, I missed boxing, I missed the fans, I missed being in the ring. I'll show the fans on March 26th that Feroz is back.

BoxingScene: Joval is a tough opponent, not a handpicked journeyman. He does not have a big punch, but what he lacks in power he makes up for in the chin and heart categories.

Vargas: We wanted a good opponent for my comeback fight. I wanted to show that I can hang with anyone at middleweight. Joval has a lot of heart, but he never faced a fighter like me and when we step in the ring, he will find out what's it like to be in the ring with Feroz the hard way.

BoxingScene: Would you consider moving back down to 154 pounds for the right fight or will you stay at the middlweight level?

Vargas: Won't happen, I can't make 154 pounds. Honestly, I was killing myself for a long time to make the weight, 160 pounds is so much easier and this is the weight where people will see me fight. I feel great at 160 pounds, my body is so much stronger now that I don't have to starve myself to make 154 pounds.

BoxingScene: How is the your back? 100% better?

Vargas: Not 100% better, but it's much better then what it was when I had to take all this time off.

BoxingScene: Has it hurt your training?

Vargas: No, my training for this fight is great. I'm training real hard in the gym, putting in some hard work everyday and my back hasnt been an issue.

BoxingScene: The upcoming May bout between Winky Wright and Felix Trinidad is 2 months away, you could end up fighting the winner down the line, who do you pick to win the fight?

Vargas: Tito Trinidad, Wright won't be able to beat Trinidad. Trinidad is too strong, too good. When Trinidad catches Wright, it's over, simple as that.

BoxingScene: Do you prefer to fight either man or would your rather fight one more then the other?

Vargas: I would rather fight Trinidad again, Wright has nothing for me. I already beat Wright and I want the chance to fight Tito again to avenge my loss.

BoxingScene: Would you fight Winky again if the circumstances were right? Like an upset over Tito or if he happens to grab a belt at 160?

Vargas: I'll fight Winky Wright again, but its just going be another win for me. I had a bad night and still beat him. I come in the ring fully focused and the fight won't go the distance.

BoxingScene: Thank you for your time Fernando and good luck in your next fight.

Vargas: Thank you.