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By: Matthew N. Becher
Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas (22-0-1 16KO) is a former 2008 Mexican Olympic team member who at thirty is getting his first chance at a world title. On November 21st, he will take on the WBC Super Featherweight champion Takashi Miura, as the co main event of the Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez undercard. Vargas is coming off of wins against Abner Cotto, Juan Manuel Lopez and Will Tomlinson. Francisco was nice enough to take time out of his schedule and speak to us about his upcoming championship fight.
Boxing Insider: This is your first shot at a major world championship. How are you feeling going in?
Francisco Vargas: I feel very excited about the fight, and I am very motivated to perform really well. And this is a great opportunity and I am going to take advantage of it.
Boxing Insider: What is your game plan against a veteran like Takashi Miura?
Francisco Vargas: I am aware of Takashi as a fighter. I know he is a very strong fighter and he has a style very similar to my own, which is coming forward. In the beginning I will make sure I understand Takashi and measure him out. But by the end of the fight, we will constantly be exchanging, and it will be a really great fight.
Boxing Insider: You have fought in Vegas and on a Canelo Alvarez undercard before. How big of an advantage is that going into this fight?
Francisco Vargas: I understand the kind of audience that can be expected at such a big event. I am not sure if Takashi has had the same experience. But I am aware at how big a fight like this is.
Boxing Insider: You are a knockout fighter and Miara has only been knocked out once to pound-for-pound lister Takashi Uchiyama. Will you be able to put him on the canvas?
Francisco Vargas: I trained for twelve rounds. I trained for this fight to go the distance. I understand that Takashi is a very tough fighter and I want to be prepared for those twelve rounds. However, if the knockout comes that would be great, that would be a satisfying victory for me. Right now I am prepared to win, go the distance and just be victorious that night.
Boxing Insider: Who do you see winning the main event of the evening between Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez?
Francisco Vargas: I don’t know who is going to win on the 21st. I know that both fighters are strong fighters and they will both be very prepared. For me it’s fifty-fifty, I cannot know who has the advantage over the other at this point. But definitely I will be rooting for Mexico and Canelo.
