2. Jessie Vargas (26-0-0, 9 KOs)
Photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank
Jessie Vargas is coming off an impressive 2014 campaign, going 3-0 with wins over Khabib Allakhverdiev, Anton Novikov and Antonio DeMarco.
Their combined record is 79-3-1.
Somehow though, even with an undefeated record and the WBA “regular” super lightweight championship, Vargas struggles to gain respect in boxing.
Vargas is skilled, but not afraid to get mean in tough situations. Check out his fight from November against Antonio DeMarco as proof.
He’ll box and brawl, similar to Terence Crawford and that’s why this is an attractive matchup not only for Top Rank, who both fighters are under, but for the fighters themselves. It’s makeable and sneaky good, with potential for skill and action.
Vargas and trainer Roy Jones Jr. have been vocal about wanting a fight with Manny Pacquiao and a win over Crawford could get them just that.
As for Crawford, taking Vargas’ undefeated record would be a great first statement at super lightweight and could also line him up for a potential end of the year fight with the superstar Filipino.
