Francisco Vargas Vows To Make Hard Work Pay Off

By Francisco Salazar

There are things that will never change in the sport of boxing. Ringcard girls, energetic crowds, and upsets go hand in hand with the sport.

One negative aspect of the sport that has and will continue to be a part of the sport is when fights fall through, thus becoming the Achilles heel to the sport.

When fights get postponed or cancelled, fighters sometimes shrug their shoulders and move on. Others feel a sense of relief as they may have gotten away with not training as hard.

Francisco Vargas did not feel that way the morning of May 3rd. He was to step inside the ring against Jose Aguiniga to measure whether he is a legit prospect.

Instead, he was a spectator that night in Las Vegas, watching the fights in street clothes.

Life seemed cruel to Vargas, who was very disappointed. However, maybe it was a blessing in disguise.

Vargas will fight in front of a bigger audience, whether it be in person or on television, as he fights Brandon Bennett Friday night at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA.

The bout will be a part of a Golden Boy Promotions card and will be telecast live on Showtime.

Disappointment and sadness overcame Vargas (16-0-1, 13 KOs) as if he had lost someone close to him. That is how much the sport means to the 2008 Olympian who represented Mexico.

However, those feelings were short-lived as he was able to move on, securing a fight two weeks later.

It was not the unbeaten Aguiniga, but instead, it was journeyman Cristian Arrazola. Vargas stopped him in the third round of a scheduled eight round bout in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico on May 17th.

"I had a hard time getting over that situation with Aguiniga because I has worked hard for that fight," Vargas told Boxingscene.com earlier this week over the phone. "However, I moved on and a fight was able to be made and it came (against Arrazola).

Now he faces a fellow unbeaten fighter in Bennett. It will be a matchup of contrasting styles as Vargas has an aggressive style, while the southpaw Bennett usually boxes.

Some young fighters cringe at the idea of facing a southpaw. However, not only does Vargas relish at the challenge, he is confident he will have his hand raised.

"I've only been sparring against southpaws for this fight," said Vargas, who lives and trains in Mexico City, DF, Mexico. "I feel very good and content with the work we put in. I know I can win on August 9th."

The soft-spoken Vargas also trained at the famous Otomi Mountains for 2 weeks in preparation for this fight.

So far, Vargas has been successful as a pro. He has been touted as a decent prospect by most boxing publications and websites.

He credits his training and the sound advice of manager Joel De La Hoya.

"He has had a lot of experience in boxing, especially since when he worked with Oscar (De La Hoya). I listen to his advice of working hard and to sacrifice now in order to live a more-relaxed life later."

Vargas, who calls Julio Cesar Chavez, Salvador Sanchez, and Ricardo Lopez as fighters whom he looks up to, has had that pro style, even in the amateurs. Which is why some in boxing regard Vargas as one with the potential to have a strong pro career, with the possibility of fighting for a world title belt.

Vargas has found a home in the super featherweight division so far. Depending on what happens in his career and with a growing body, a move up five pounds to the lightweight division may not be out of the question.

"I feel great at 130 pounds. I would like to fight for a world title at this weight. More than likely, I could see myself moving up to 135 pounds in two years."

It looks like a good blueprint for the 28 year old Vargas. Right promoter (Golden Boy), right manager (Joel De La Hoya), and right attitude could go a long way for Vargas.

He's understood the fight game well that he accepts when things do not always work out, especially in the Aguiniga situation.

He believes he could accomplish a great deal with the right work ethic and believing in himself.

"I'm working hard and I always make for good fights. I hope people follow my career because I believe I could make a lot of noise."

Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. He also covers boxing for the Ventura County (CA) Star newspaper. He could be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on twitter at FSalazarBoxing