By Jake Donovan
Rey Vargas heads into Saturday's showdown with Lucian Gonzalez knowing what's at stake; a potential showdown with countryman and newly crowned super bantamweight titlist Julio Ceja.
The perceived stay-busy fight for the 24-year old from Guadalajara, Mexico serves in supporting capacity to a rubber match between junior flyweight champ Ibeth Zamora and former title claimant Esmeralda Moreno. Both fights air on Televisa, live from Metepec, Mexico.
A title fight has been the goal since the start of 2015 for the unbeaten contender from Guadalajara. It is now well within reach, thanks to Leo Santa Cruz moving up in weight, followed by Ceja's off-the-canvas 5th round knockout of Hugo Ruiz just one week ago.
The clearing of space elevated Vargas (24-0, 21KOs) to the top of the rankings, meaning he is likely next in line for a title shot.
That's if he wins on Saturday. On paper, the fight appears to be a foregone conclusion, enough to where Vargas has spent a good portion of fight week talking more about Ceja's recent title win than the present task at hand.
Gonzalez is fine with the perception that he's been brought in from Dominican Republic to pad the record of an unbeaten contender. He's fine with conversation centering on anything other than their actual fight. It will just make the celebration that much sweeter in the event he pulls off the massive upset.
"I'm not a fighter who likes to talk a lot, just what I'm capable of doing in the ring," notes the 31-year old Gonzalez (21-8-2, 5KOs), who has won five straight. "I can box well, have height and great speed.
"I believe if Vargas is properly prepared, then this will be a great fight. Otherwise it will be a one-sided fight my favor."
Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com.
Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Facebook Page: JakeBScene
