Golden Boy Promotions

Samuel Vargas Ready to Prove His Place Among the Elite against Vergil Ortiz Jr.

In a recent interview with Round By Round Boxing, Samuel Vargas discussed his plans to demonstrate his elite skill against Vergil Ortiz Jr. on July 24 at Fantasy Springs and live on DAZN.

Getty Images

Golden Boy and DAZN will return to the ring on Friday, July 24 in Indio, CA with a fan-less atmosphere and a main event featuring Vergil Ortiz Jr. (15-0, 15 KOs) vs. Samuel Vargas(31-5-2, 14 KOs).

In a recent phone interview with Round By Round Boxing, Vargas told us he was happy to have the opportunity to be back in the ring. 

“It’s a blessing,” said Vargas. “Especially considering where the world is at and where boxing stands with the pandemic.”

Vargas acknowledged the difficulty many fighters are having in scheduling bouts in these times and expressed his excitement of not only having a date, but a main event of a Golden Boy card on DAZN.

“I’m grateful I have a fight date,” said Vargas. “Not only a normal fight, but a big one too.” 

When asked how he remains focused and training during these turbulent times with the pandemic, Vargas said that it wasn’t an issue for him personally.

“That’s easy. I just eat right and stay healthy,” said Vargas. “I don’t watch the news and just stay in the gym, and everything is good.” 

As far as training for the fight and logging rounds of sparring, Vargas dismissed it as a nonissue, and was grateful for the ability to get a full camp with sparring. 

“I have no complaints,” said Vargas.

He did, however, acknowledge that ring rust could be possible factor, having not competed since June of last year. But he believes his experience will take over and that Ortiz will have to take a couple of rounds to get started as well. 

“I’ll have some [ring rust], but it comes down to muscle memory,” said Vargas. “Ortiz hasn’t been in the ring in a while either, so it might take a couple of rounds.” 

Additionally, Vargas spoke to the differences that will be evident fighting in a fan-less atmosphere. He acknowledged it will likely be different than anything he’s ever experienced, but that he is perfectly fine without receiving the heckling he has grown accustomed to. 

“I’m usually the B-side of things, so I’m usually getting booed,” Vargas laughed, relieved he wouldn’t have to deal with some of the things that are said to him. “I’m not going to miss being told I’m going to die and other ludicrous things that I’m usually being told.” 

Once again, Samuel Vargas will be the b-side against the Golden Boy protege. Ortiz Jr. is among the most highly-touted fighters in all of boxing, with many believing it is inevitable that he will become a multiple-weight world champion and pound-for-pound superstar. With fifteen victories and fifteen knockouts to his name, Vargas understands the threat. 

“He’s got a lot of power and talent,” said Vargas. “I need to be smart in there.”

Vargas is no stranger to strong competition, having competed with some of the very best in the welterweight division. He has shared the ring with the likes of Amir Khan, Danny Garcia, and current unified welterweight champion, Errol Spence Jr. 

When asked about how Ortiz compared to some of the opponents he’s already faced, Vargas wasn’t ready to put him in the same category as them quite yet. 

“I don’t see him on that level yet,” said Vargas. “He’s a rising star and has good punching power and ring IQ, but I haven’t seen him tested.”

Vargas wants to be the one to truly test Ortiz and answer these questions.

“I’ve never seen him get hit, so thats my question” said Vargas.  “That’s what I want to see and what we’re going to find out.”

Vargas went on to say that his ring experience, having 255 professional rounds under his belt compared to Ortiz’s 38, along with his intangibles, give him his best chance to win. 

“My experience, awareness, and willpower,” said Vargas. “I’m a person who will never give up; I’m resilient.”  

Vargas also highlighted his commitment to training, learning, and truly pushing to better himself. 

“I’m always trying to learn and evolve with each training camp,” said Vargas. 

Furthermore, when asked if the fact that the fight was a main event added extra motivation, Vargas stated that the motivation comes from the challenge. It is a chance to vindicate himself and his team. 

“The extra motivation comes from proving it to myself and my team that I belong on the elite level,” said Vargas. “It’s not because it’s a main event, but because of what it means to myself and for my career.”

Comments
To Top