Francisco Vargas vs. Will Tomlinson
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
This has the potential to be an explosive fight. The undefeated Francisco Vargas has a deep amateur pedigree and has stopped his last two opponents. He is strong, aggressive and is an “in your face” kind of fighter.
Will Tomlinson’s only loss was just over a year ago via unanimous decision. He’s a tough Aussie with a crowd pleasing type of style. This fight can go either way, but I’ll give the edge to Vargas.
I see Vargas pulling out a tough victory that will not be easy.
Prediction: Vargas
Brandon Glass, Contributing Writer
I was impressed with Francisco Vargas’ showing against Juan Manuel Lopez. The fact that Vargas welcomed exchanges with a big puncher like Lopez and withstood Lopez’s best to eventually forge a TKO victory cemented him as a contender.
Wins over Abner Cotto and Jerry Belmontes help his case as well. I haven’t been exposed to too much of the Aussie, Will Tomlinson’s work. He too faced Belmonte, who served Tomlinson his only defeat.
But shared opponents mean nothing. The styles are key. Vargas is your classic, aggressive brawler facing a shorter, mobile boxer puncher in Tomlinson.
I think Vargas walks Tomlinson down and eventually stops him by cutting off the ring and working the body. As long as Vargas remembers to work the body; he has a decent punch and I think this gives “El Bandido” the edge over “Wild” Will.
Prediction: Vargas
Alex McLeish, Staff Writer
Francisco Vargas vs. Will Tomlinson has the potential to be the most exciting fight of the entire weekend. It’s an interesting styles match between the bigger Vargas who loves to come forward and bang, and the smaller but quicker Tomlinson, who will be forced to move a little more than usual, and work his counter attack.
The main key will be if Tomlinson can weather the storm early-on in the fight, and hurt Vargas with body shots enough to even the playing field.
I see Vargas fighting inspired, with a big crowd who will be there in his support backing him up, I think he gives them, and the viewers watching on HBO Latino, the fight they expect to see. The only question is if Tomlinson is tough enough to make it to the final bell.
Prediction: Vargas
Lou Catalano, Senior Writer
Francisco “My Hair Is Quaffed To Perfection” Vargas is a bad dude.
Will Tomlinson is going to have to try and use his quickness and his legs to get around Vargas, because he’s certainly not going to go through him.
The Australian is a game fighter, but he’s in a bit deep here. I like Vargas by stoppage.
Prediction: Vargas
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
I really like this matchup and think it has a chance to be the most exciting fight of the weekend. I think Francisco Vargas and Will Tomlinson–with their fan-friendly style–have a lot to gain from this fight.
I think we will see some exciting back-and-forth action early with Vargas forcing Tomlinson into more rugged exchanges than the Aussie would like.
I like Vargas to make a statement and get a late-rounds stoppage, propelling him to a big-time title shot later this year or early next year.
Prediction: Vargas
Juan Carlos Galvez, Photographer
Francisco Vargas by decision.
Prediction: Vargas
