The career of Fernando Vargas has had its share of vicissitudes. It has been like a rollercoaster of sorts and it’s evident that he is still out to make the remainder of his ride in the fight game memorable for all the right reasons. Vargas faces off with always-dangerous Shane Mosley this Saturday night in Las Vegas and I don’t think I’d be out of line by saying Fernando's career is on the line.

          One thing people will say about Fernando Vargas is that he was rushed too soon, having fought the likes of Winky Wright, Ike Quartey, and Felix Trinidad before even hitting 23 years old. He was successful against Wright and Quartey but was stopped by Trinidad in such brutal fashion that it began the deterioration of his career. Because of those actions people have placed the blame on Vargas’ management team, saying they are to blame for ruining what could have truly been a great career. When taking a look at this myself, I see things differently.

          Yes, Vargas suffered a huge setback against Trinidad and was later dealt more harsh punishment when he was stopped by Oscar de la Hoya, but with those two fights came a lot of money and Vargas was able to maximize his earnings. He can retire from the sport today,  comfortably, as opposed to having to fight well into his 30’s. With other business ventures on the side, Vargas should be well off and anything he accomplishes from here on out can be looked at as added icing on the cake.

          Vargas’ career may not have gone completely as he planned but he still had some great moments. He was a multiple champion in the sport and offered up many exciting fights, building a great fan base along the way. His most memorable performance may have been against Quartey, when he out boxed and outfought the proud warrior from Accra, Ghana over twelve heated rounds. Even in his loss to Trinidad, where he talked constantly of himself being a true Mexican warrior beforehand, he was able to back up his words by going out on his shield like a true champion in a truly great battle.

          Another thing that does stand out to me about Fernando is that even though his career was colorful, he never did reach the level of being an all time great. Against De la Hoya he had the chance to win over the Mexican fans that were still straddling the fence regarding Oscar. A victory would not only have increased his fan base to an incredible level, it would have, in a sense, made him the new ‘Golden Boy’ of the sport. But just as De la Hoya’s left hook proved, it wasn’t meant to be and just as is the case with his career, Vargas had seemed to come up just short.

          When all is said and done I think ‘Ferocious’ Fernando Vargas has made his mark in a different way. He has not achieved the greatness some have expected but he has won over the hearts of an endless amount of loyal fans that have been by his side throughout and it is their cheers for which he fights. Vargas has a hunger not for money or for fame, but simply for the limelight and I feel that’s what keeps him going today.   

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