Unbeatable two-division champion Rey Vargas has set his sights on a third weight division as he looks to add a super featherweight crown to his résumé as he takes on top contender O’Shaquie Foster for the vacant WBC title this Saturday, February 11th live on LIGHT TIME from the Alamodome in San Antonio which is leading the event Top Boxing Champion.
“This is a challenge that motivates me,” says Vargas. “I knew that Foster was going to wow everyone. He’s a great fighter, but my job is to make things easy. On February 11, I will shine brighter than him. He is quick, has good defense and moves well. You could say he worked hard, but I believe I was the toughest opponent he faced. He won’t be able to get past me.”
Now a WBC featherweight world champion and a former super bantamweight world champion, Vargas seeks to make his name on the sacred list of Mexican champions who have won world titles in three divisions. weigh. The impetus to add his name alongside the likes of Julio Cesar Chavez, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, etc., gave Vargas everything he needed to head into the night of the fight.
“I don’t want to call this a dream, because I’m about to make it happen,” Vargas said. “It’s a short list of three-division world champions and I want that to be part of my legacy. I like to do the unexpected. Who knows what we’ll do next? All I’m focused on is being a three-tournament champion on February 11th.”
In his final bout, also at the Alamodome and during a SHOWTIME main event, Vargas was able to bounce from his ninth round knock-out to overtake Mark Magsayo and claim the title. During those tough times, Vargas credits his years of boxing background to having prepared him for whatever gets in his way when it comes to a top-level bout.
“When you play on this stage, one small mistake can cost you the battle,” Vargas said. “You have to be smart and sober. I was a bit careless and I made a mistake. Magsayo parried me. Everything happened so fast in those moments, but I told myself I had a strong opponent, hit really hard, but I’m more ‘cabron’, so I got up, fought smart and won the battle. win. I am grateful that I have had the experience to know how to get out of such a situation.”
As he continued to advance in the weight classes, Vargas focused on intelligently gaining weight while retaining the skills that made him a two-weight champion. In addition to his work with a strength and conditioning coach, he has received altitude training in Otumba, Mexico to ensure that he is in top shape.
“I feel very comfortable moving up to 130 pounds,” says Vargas. “Me and my strength and conditioning coach are focusing on nutrition and building more mass. As we walked in my regiment, our routines became more carefully arranged. I’m avoiding any unnecessary extra muscle that could slow me down and give my body what it needs to be at its strongest. I’m lucky to be here, Otumba, at a higher altitude where the air is fresher and better for training.”
Vargas was coached by his father Carlos Vargas as the father-son duo looks set to continue to add to Vargas’ already impressive resume. Now that he is fully back after more than two years off work from 2019 to 2021, Vargas has used his family as the driving force to continue his ascent.
“My family and my team continue to inspire me every day to work harder and build a legacy,” says Vargas. “I had a lot of failures and I was mostly stagnant for a few years. I’m dealing with an injury, but I’ve recovered. I am continuing to receive inspiration and strength from those around me. I know the path I’m on and I’m enjoying every moment.”
