LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - The Welterweight world titleholder Jessie Vargas casually strode into a ballroom at The Wynn resort on Wednesday, laughing, joking and greeting writers by name. He didn't seem to have a care in the world. Pacquiao (58-6-2, 38 KOs) end his short-term retirement by taking on Vargas; but Vargas (27-1, 10 KOs) presents a modicum of danger for the 37-year-old Pacquiao.
Vargas On The Spotlight With The Legendary Manny Pacquiao
It isn't just another fight or opponent for Vargas, however. He is in the biggest fight of his entire career, on a worldwide stage. He is about to box Pacquiao, a boxing legend, the icon from the Philippines and the first sitting Gov't Senator to fight for a world title. Even though Vargas has never been in a fight this kind of magnitude, he could handle the spotlight and keep calm because of past experiences leading to this moment. Vargas reiterated:
"What's probably helped me in my career is that I've fought on major cards before, Floyd [Mayweather] undercards, huge events, Pacquiao undercards, pay-per-view undercards, where I first became world champion [as a junior welterweight]," Vargas said. "They were large events and my fights got a lot of attention. I feel it prepared me for this situation. So, I know what to expect."
"Me now being in this position, it's nothing new to me. I got a little taste of it before. I knew what I was in for and I am ready for it. Now it's my time. Now it's time for everyone to talk about me come Saturday night. He seems like a good guy, but as soon as the bell rings it's all business."
Is Boxing A Young Man's Sport?
Vargas is 27 and in his prime and Pacquiao is 37, coming out almost as a retiree and on the lighted stage of his career in which he became the only boxer to win eight world titles in eight different weight divisions. It is that age gap -- not the résumé -- that is significant to Vargas, who knows that boxing is commonly a young man's sport.
Pacquiao (58-6-2, 38 KOs) is cracking one of his best boxes in years, when he surpassed and outwitted rival Timothy Bradley Jr. in their third fight in April, followed by a seclusion that lasted only for five months. Vargas said he loves Pacquiao getting credit for beating him.
"I'm happy that he was able to give that performance so when I defeat Manny Pacquiao, they will see that I beat a good Manny Pacquiao who is still performing at the highest level," Vargas said. "That's the Manny Pacquiao that I want to beat."
"This is where I belong," Vargas said. "I've been waiting for this moment since I was 8 years old. This moment is not so big. It's here and I am going to take full advantage of it."
"When you envision something in your head repeatedly, it's like a movie placing you in that position, and once you are there you're ready. That's the way I see it. I am so ready for this. I am in the best shape of my life. I have never felt this strong or this powerful. I am going to win this fight, that's how good I feel about it."
Vargas As Underdog Aims To Beat The Pacman; But Manny Pacquiao Says "I'm Not Done Yet"
Vargas is about an 8-to-1 underdog at The Wynn sports book and he wins this match it would launch him into the big time, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said.
"Jessie and I consider this fight the passing of the torch. We appreciate the body of work Manny has compiled in his illustrious career. However, as we all know, good things must come to an end and that will happen on [Saturday]," Cooper said. "This will be our moment, our time for a younger world champion to shine and earn the admiration of the fighting world.
"The only fighters to beat Manny Pacquiao have become legends themselves. So, I plan to become one of the few to beat Manny Pacquiao and also become one of the legends."
