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Vargas & Salido Put On A
Classic
By William Trillo
Photos: Marlene Marquez
Super Featherweights Francisco Vargas (23-0-2,17 KO’s) and
Orlando Salido (43-13-4,30 KO’s)put on the best action
inside the squared circle in 2016, nothing else will come
close. With Vargas WBC World super featherweight title on
the line these two brave Mexican warriors gave every single
ounce of themselves over 12 of the most brutal rounds anyone
could have imagined.
As the fight started it was the younger Vargas who appeared
to have the edge using a clean jab followed by power punches
that hurt Salido. But that was not going to slow Salido down
and he made it a war by round two.
In round three and four it looked like Salido hurt Vargas
and the crafty veteran gave the fans a sense he could defeat
the younger champion.
Round six looked to be a pivotal round as Vargas landed
shots that buckled Salido’s legs. The crowd sensed a KO but
the tough veteran would not quit. Not only did he survive
but he went on to do damage of his own.
Back and forth the fight went over the closing rounds. Just
when one fighter seemed to have an edge, the other would
find a way to sway the tide.
Every single person in the house from fans to HBO brass were
ecstatic after the fight…it was absolutely fantastic.
Oh…the scorecard? 115-113 and 114-114 twice. A majority
decision draw. The champ retains his belt.
Really not one person in the house complained, it was that
good.
After the fight Vargas told the media, “I feel really good
about this decision, I knew coming in that I was going to be
facing a very tough opponent; however I didn’t expect for
him to head butt me and give me so many cuts to the face.
Overall, I’m happy I was able to face this skilled warrior."
More Quotes:
Orlando “Siri” Salido:
“It was a complicated fight like I expected, a very
difficult fight from beginning to end with a lot of
action,” said Salido. "It was a great spectacle for all
the fans. They got what they wanted; they wanted to see
blood and they saw blood. I would welcome another fight
with him. I believe that I won by a slight margin, but I
would welcome a rematch. I would also accept the fight
from Takashi Miura or from Lomamcheko. I’ll fight
anyone."
Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas additional quote:
"I used powerful jabs and countered with ruthlessness.
Takashi Miura was a much more powerful puncher, but my
respects to Salido. He is a very tough fighter and has a
very strong chin."
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