By Miguel Rivera
World Boxing Council [WBC] super featherweight world champion Francisco 'Bandido' Vargas (23-0-1, 17KOs) has already been tested twice by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), as he trains for his first world title defense against countryman Orlando Salido on June 4th.
Vargas and Salido have gone through several doping tests prior to the fight, which takes place at the StubHub Center in Los Angeles, California. Vargas is pleased with the early workings of his training camp and wants to prove that he's a clean fighter as he enters the ring for the HBO televised bout Salido.
Vargas captured the title last November with a ninth round stoppage of Takashi Miura in a 'Fight of The Year' encounter on the Saul Alvarez vs. Miguel Cotto Pay-Per-View undercard in Las Vegas.
"I had two tests, one in Los Angeles and one here in Mexico. I think it's a good thing, as I've never taken anything [illegal]. I have always fought clean, [and testing is] something I have no problem with, but Salido has come up dirty in his past and that is why I like [for there to be testing]," Vargas told ESPN Deportes.
In 2006, Salido tested positive for nandrolone and that is why his victory over Robert Guerrero was canceled out and he was stripped of the featherweight championship of the International Boxing Federation. Vargas was tested countless times when he was Olympian and has never had a problem with it.
"The anti-doping program was something I requested of my team, the World Boxing Council, the promoter. I think it is good that we show a clean image in boxing today. They come by surprise and take samples....like at the Olympics, blood tests and urine," Vargas said.
"As we approach the fight I am very motivated, always training strong and all of that makes me feel good, and little by little the adrenaline goes up for the fight ahead of us."