Tim Bradley vs. Jessie Vargas
Photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
As good as Tim Bradley (31-1-1, 12 KOs) is and as often as his name is mentioned as being elite or being in line for a mega showdown, he hasn’t won a fight since October 2013.
After the highly questionable win against Manny Pacquiao in 2012, he went to war with Ruslan Provodnikov, earned a split decision win over Juan Manuel Marquez, lost the rematch to Pacquiao, then rang up a hotly-contested draw in an ugly affair with Diego Chaves.
What does all that mean? I think Bradley, 31, is due for a big time showing and Jessie Vargas has drawn the short straw.
The 26-year-old Vargas (26-0, 9 KOs) had a stellar amateur career and is undefeated as a pro, large in part, to an attack that comes at you with an avalanche of punches.
Bradley won’t have to go looking for Vargas. I’m expecting him to put the pedal down and use his experience and ring smarts to outhustle Vargas.
I like Bradley.
Prediction: Bradley
Mike Burnell, Staff Writer
Neither are big punchers, but it seems to me that Timothy Bradley has more pit bull in him. Jessie Vargas has the height advantage but “Desert Storm” can box or brawl effectively and has the big fight experience to make the adjustments at the right time.
Vargas is a very good fighter against some good opposition and is ready to take that next step, but Bradley will have just a little too much for him.
Prediction: Bradley
Brent Herrin, Staff Writer
The StubHub Center in Carson, California will be full of excitement Saturday night as Jessie Vargas (26-0, 9 KOs) will dive head first into the welterweight division when he takes on Timothy Bradley Jr (31-1-1, 12 KOs).
It’s not too often that a fighter will move up in weight class, and face a top-tier opponent right off the bat. Vargas is a highly skilled and established fighter, but he’s going up against someone who has not only survived an all-out war, but who also has victories (some controversial) over some of the sport’s elite.
Bradley’s willingness to go toe-to-toe should work well for him, if he can stay inside on Vargas. He must close the gap all 12 rounds, and not allow Vargas to stay back and find his range.
Keeping the distance and scoring consistently at range is the only way Vargas wins, but look for Bradley to stay in close and set the pace. Neither guy is a knockout specialist, so the will definitely go to the judge’s scorecards.
Prediction: Bradley
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Timothy Bradley vs. Jessie Vargas is a tough fight to call. On the one hand, it’s clear–at least in my eyes–that Bradley is the more gifted fighter. On the other hand, he hasn’t looked too impressive in his last few outings.
Bradley has enough heart for the whole Welterweight division, but injuries have slowed him down and I just don’t know how much he has left.
He’s young, but in boxing all it takes is one fight–like the one he had against Ruslan Provodnikov–to change your career.
Through different promotional companies and all of the different trainers, I’ve never truly been impressed with Vargas. He’s good, but not exceptional, and I just don’t think he’ll be able to top Desert Storm, even if he’s not at the very top of his game anymore.
Prediction: Bradley
