Can Vargas pull off a win over Mosley? Unlike some critics, I still have faith in Vargas. He truly does have the heart of a warrior. At first many people questioned why a Vargas v Mosley I was taking place? Both boxers had something to prove. Do I still have it? they may have asked themselves....

Mosley was coming off losses to his arch nemesis Vernon Forrest and Winky Wright. While Vargas was trying to redeem himself, not only from  losses to De La Hoya and Trinidad, but a steroid scandal as well.

There was no doubt in my mind that Vargas would be victorious the first time around. He had more to prove than Mosley. After all, Mosley had his time, in my opinion. He had solidified his place in boxing before Vernon Forrest and Winky Wright even happened. Vargas'  tirade was cut very short by Trinidad. Vargas'  heart can't even be questioned, he blew threw 20 opponents in less than 3 years. Mostly back to back fights, not taking more than 6 months off at a time. If there is negative comment that can be said about Vargas, is that he wanted it all way too fast. He may have over exerted himself.

On the other hand, you have a very impressive Shane Mosley. The man who gave Oscar his 2nd and 3rd losses. Mosley carried bitterness throughout his career for being passed over for team USA by Vernon Forrest. In a fight where Shane was supposed to be cleaning out his closet, he ended up getting stuffed twice. Vernon Forrest proved to be too much for Shane and Winky put the icing on the cake.

So on July 15th, presumably, Vargas and Mosley will meet again. Will we see the pre-Trinidad Vargas show up? It's hard to say. One thing is for sure it's clearly obvious these two have built up some animosity towards each other over the past few months. If Vargas can fight smart, protect his head, and keep the pressure on Shane.. I think he can pull it off.  Despite his grotesque eye, Vargas was still bringing the fight. And it was a close fight, up until the stoppage. Had it gone to decision, no telling how it could've gone.

I am convinced that Vargas still has what it takes to be back on top again. He has always been the type to fight to the very end, injuries and everything. Any man that can survive being knocked down 5 times and still make it to the 12th with a prime time Tito Trinidad, definitely deserves some respect. Besides, boxing is missing that fire that the likes of Trinidad and Vargas used to bring.

We are just getting those intense fights with this rematch and the upcoming Mayweather Jr. v Judah match. So I will definitely be sitting on the edge of my seat pulling for a Vargas win. Critics say what you want, because nothing can bring down my high. And if he he wins... forget about a Mayweather Jr. v De La Hoya or a Trinidad v De La Hoya II. Vargas has some unfinished business with De La Hoya. So please call him out once you're done with Sugar Shane. Show everybody that El Feroz isn't going anywhere anytime soon and that the Day of the Aztec Warrior is far from over.

4-16-2006

Comments can be emailed to D J Carter