FERNANDO VISITS THE WINDY CITY
 

BY EDGAR "PUNCH MAGAZINE" MOLINA

      
 

As Chicago began to get over the shock of the devastating blow that sent the pride of Poland through the United Center ropes, a Ferocious visitor dropped in on the Windy City to promote an upcoming bout. The slowly growing boxing town of Chicago will graciously host their second World Class bout within the last year when Ferocious Fernando Vargas and Rocky Juarez will bring the second largest Mexican-American contingency to its feet August 20 in All State Arena. Fernando Vargas (26-2, 23KO) will face the Spaniard Javier Castillejo (58-5, 39 KO) at Jr.-Middleweight as a co-main event with Rocky Juarez (23-0, 16 KO) squaring off against In Jin Chi of South Korea (30-2, 18 KO) at featherweight. Though the money and corporate glory remain well kept in the deserts of Las Vegas, the noble fighter from Oxnard chose to fight amongst his people in hopes of capturing boxing glory. Despite the promoter warfare and politics that have surrounded this fight, Main Events has remained devoted to their task of bringing Vargas back to the top of the boxing world. Here is what they had to say:

 

Rolando Arellano (Vargas’ Manager): It is very it is important that I declare here to not only the media but all our boxing fans, when we signed a contract, we signed a contract for the WBC World Championship. It is my understanding that because we don’t adhere or basically comply to politics that they will strip Castillejo. I don’t care because Castillejo was the World Champion when we signed the contract, and as far as I’m concerned and as far as Fernando Vargas is concerned, we are here to fight for the World Championship Boxing. Mr. Sullemain, the WBC, and all his governors can do whatever the hell they want with their belt. Were here in Chicago, and were going to give you World Championship Boxing!

 

Fernando Vargas: Main Events wants me to fight where the money is at, but I chose to fight amongst my people. It’s gonna be a great show for all my Mexican people, all my Latin people, and my people in general who love boxing. I’m just excited to be here in Chi-Town!

 

When asked “How do you feel about now not fighting for the WBC belt,” Vargas responded “I'm very disappointed, because I feel the WBC is a Mexican belt. My idol, Julio Cesar Chavez, was the WBC champ. They're not supporting a Mexican, which I am, but they're supporting a Nicaraguan in Mayorga.”

 

Vargas has also been fighting chronic back problems. When asked “How is your back,” Vargas responded “I’m taking herbal anti-inflammatory. I got off Celebrex because I don’t want to take any type of drugs. That’s helping me a lot. I’m able to work and do my strength and wellness exercises with my coach. I’m trying to get my back stronger and that’s what I’m doing right now.

 

Along with his return to the ring, Vargas has also adopted a more defensive-conscious fighting style. When asked “has this new style been more effective for you so far and is this style going to replace or supplement your old style,” Vargas responded “I’m not going to say I’m not the same, but at the same time I’m going to show everything the coach has taught me. I’m not trying to go twelve rounds and I will definitely try and get him out of there early.”

Edgar Molina