Fernando Vargas, New and Improved.

By Rick Reeno

The man has been gone for quite some time and is ready to come back to the boxing ranks. Vargas was once labeled as a rising star who would one day become the next mega-star. The mega-star goal was derailed a few steps when Vargas suffered losses in the two biggest fights of his career.

Constant back problems, weight problems and various other injuries sent Fernando into boxing oblivion. He seems focused, ready and willing to get back to basics. Vargas is looking to do some big things in 2005.

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BoxingScene: Fernando, you went through many months of rehab and your long awaited return to Boxing is almost here. How excited are you to come back to Boxing?

Vargas: I'm looking foward to coming back in 2005. Ive been out for a long time. I finished my rehab, my body feels great.

BoxingScene: I understand that you will be coming back at the middleweight level of 160.

Vargas: Yeah, I'll be back at 160. I feel real good about fighting at that weight. I think I'll be real strong at middleweight.

BoxingScene: Any reason for coming back at 160?

Vargas: It's too hard to make 154. I was killing myself to make weight and I'm not gonna do it anymore so I will return as a middleweight.

BoxingScene: When you left, 160 was a pretty dead division in terms of stars and now it seem loaded with talent. You have Hopkins, Trinidad, De La Hoya, Taylor, Quartey, Eastman and several others. Are you planning on meeting any of these guys in 2005?

Vargas: I'm going to take a few tuneup bouts to get me back to where I want to be. Ive been out for a long time and I'm not going to rush anything. I have a new trainer, I'm learning new things in the gym and I'm just excited to come back.

BoxingScene: Fighters like De La Hoya and Hopkins, two fights that can bring you the most money, may be gone by the time you are ready to fight them. Does that make you want to speed up the comeback process or bother you?

Vargas: Not really. I'm taking my time, I'm not going to make any mistakes. Like you said, there are a lot of good fighters at middleweight right now.

BoxingScene: I know De La Hoya was trying to lure you into a rematch, prior to the Hopkins/Sturm fights.

Vargas: Yeah, but I wasnt ready due to the problems I was having with my back.

BoxingScene: Thank you for your time and good luck with your comeback.

Vargas: Thank you, take care.