Jessie Vargas (29-2-2 11 KOs) meets follow Mexican-American star Mikey Garcia on Saturday at 147lbs. Both men view victory in the welterweight clash as a gateway to more world title glory in 2020.
“I definitely feel that I am in my prime now,” said Vargas. “I feel good, solid, very experienced. I’ve gained plenty of knowledge throughout the years, and I think that I am in the best time in my career because of all that experience. Experience is what really makes a fighter. Sometimes in a big fight, a lack of experience can affect you, but I am not in that position, I’m good and everything is good on my side.”
Vargas was one of the first fighters to sign with Matchroom Boxing USA. He was also the first headliner on a DAZN show in America. After an entertaining draw with Thomas Dulorme in Chicago in October 2018, he followed that with a commanding sixth-round KO win over Humberto Soto in April.
The 30-year-old now faces one of the biggest fights of his career in the shape of former four-weight World champion Garcia (39-1 30 KOs) and he told Lauren Gardner that he believes he is hitting his peak years as he targets a crucial victory on Saturday night.
“Every fighter wants to become a World champion and I’ve done that twice already, and now I want to become World champion for a third time. I became World champion in 2016 and god willing, I will become champion again in 2020.
“We are giving the fans what they want to see,” said Vargas. “Mikey is a terrific fighter and we are going to give the fans a great fight. It has all the ingredients to be like a Barerra-Morales style trilogy.”
Diamond Life
Garcia and Vargas are multi-division world champions and also are fighting for the WBC Diamond Belt. The WBC Diamond belt is an iconic trophy that has been awarded to commemorate special fights.
“We are two fighters that are will to do anything to come out with the victory. This is one of the fights that I am interested in because it’s going to generate a lot of interest and it’s my time to shine.
“There’s so many things that I’ve learnt in my career, but I think trusting in your team is very important. Preparation is everything. If you make mistakes in your preparation for a fight, the fight might not go as planned so you need to make sure that all hands are on deck for your preparation, that way you never have to go back and say ‘I wish I had done this differently’.”