Antonio Vargas knows most people are already looking past him, but the WBA bantamweight titleholder says that only sharpens his focus before Saturday’s fight with Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez in Glendale, Arizona.
Vargas is a major underdog against Rodriguez, who is chasing another world title and already has wins over Juan Francisco Estrada, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Carlos Cuadras. Still, Vargas believes this is exactly the type of fight that can change how people see him.
“It puts me in a place of hunger, discipline and focus,” Vargas said. “I know after I beat this guy, it will show I’ve been training and working hard to build my own legacy as a fighter.”
Vargas says his faith has carried him through difficult moments, including knockdowns in recent fights against Jonathan Rodriguez and Winston Guerrero, as well as his draw with Daigo Higa in Japan. “I see the hand of Christ over me,” he said. “My confidence in my strength comes from him.”
Rodriguez is expected to push toward a major fight with Naoya Inoue if he wins, but Vargas believes he can interrupt those plans. He pointed to Rodriguez being dropped by Estrada as proof that openings exist. “Every fighter has them,” Vargas said. “It’s just about finding them.”
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Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing