Vargas Hunts Bigger Game: I'm Ready For Abner Mares

By Jake Donovan

Rey Vargas knows better than to look past what’s already in front of him, but the rising contender can’t help but beam over what the future has in store.

The unbeaten junior featherweight is in the final stages of training for a May 23 showdown with Philippines’ Edward Mansito in Metepec, Mexico. A win will lead to an eventual run towards a major alphabet belt, or even a major fight in the absence of a title opportunity.

Currently in his sights is a showdown with countryman Abner Mares, who is on the comeback trail and apparently eager for a big fight. The former three-division champ is angling for a showdown with unbeaten 122 lb. titlist Leo Santa Cruz, who is considering the possibility though it will mean having to give up his title and remaining at featherweight following his recent 10-round win over Jose Cayetano.

Should the fight fail to materialize, Mares won’t have to look very far in finding another opponent.

“I'm at a stage in my career where I want to face bigger challenges. I believe I’m ready and mature enough to do against a former world champion as Abner Mares,” says Vargas (23-0, 20KOs), who is trained by the legendary Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Beristain, Mares’ former chief second. “I think I’ve grown from the learning stages of my career. I’m ready to move up in class and show what Rey Vargas is made of.”

While a Mares fight would be a dream come true, there remains the outside shot he lands in a title eliminator or even a title fight before year’s end. Both Vargas and Hugo Ruiz are promoted by Promociones del Pueblo, who is attempting to force the World Boxing Council (WBC) into freeing up the 122 lb. title Santa Cruz is currently holding ransom.

Ruiz is currently in negotiation for a title eliminator with Nonito Donaire, with the possibility of it becoming a vacant title fight should Santa Cruz give up his crown. The fight is due to go to purse bid on May 22, though there exists the possibility of Donaire moving in different direction, at which point Promociones del Pueblo would consider a Ruiz-Vargas fight for the title or a title shot.

Between now and then, the 24-year old has a Televisa headliner to get through before moving on to new business.

Vargas’ upcoming clash with Mansito (13-1-2, 10KOs) marks his second fight of 2015. His previous ring appearance came in January, stopping Nestor Paniagua in two rounds for his fifth straight win inside the distance.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox