Boxers Manny Pacquiao (L) of the Philippines and Jessie Vargas of the US pose for the cameras at a press conference in Beverly Hills, California, on September 8, 2016, where their November 5th fight was announced. / AFP PHOTO / Frederic J. BROWN
HOLLYWOOD—If Jessie Vargas can fight as well as he talks, Manny Pacquiao will be in deep trouble come fight night.
Full of confidence, Vargas not only claims to have raised his skills sky-high, he also asserts that his physical and mental faculties are superior to Pacquiao’s.
“You are going to see a faster, stronger, more intelligent and with a better ring IQ [fighter],” said Vargas, during his team’s question and answer teleconference for the WBO welterweight title battle. “Just overall a better fighter.”
According to Vargas, working out with his team, led by trainer Dewey Cooper, has given him not only punching power but the ability to look at the fight on a better perspective.
“A new Jessie Vargas was born in 2016 and everyone seems to like it. And now we are going to give you a bigger and better Jessie Vargas come Nov. 5th,” added Vargas.
At that time, Vargas said he intends to exploit his natural and developed advantages over the eight-division world champion.
“I am going to use every advantage I have in this fight. As an experienced fighter, we have to use every advantage, and we will,” he said.
The 5-foot-10 Vargas is referring to his four-inch height advantage, “along with the power, the reach, the ring intelligence, the great footwork.”
Save for being three inches longer, the other attributes are disputable, of course. Particularly in the power aspect, where Vargas can only show 10 knockouts in 27 victories.
The 27-year-old Vargas said he’s going to shock the world with a spectacular victory over Pacquiao.
“Everyone is going to give me credit for being the strongest and most powerful puncher in the division,”
said Vargas, meaning he intends to knock out the Fighting Senator.
Vargas said he isn’t at all awed fighting the Filipino legend as it’s been his dream since he was 8 years old.
“This moment is not so big. When you envision something in your head over and over again, it’s like a movie placing you in that position, and once you are there, you’re ready,” said Vargas.
Vargas’ team, which include strength and conditioning coach David Hayes and cutman Rafel Garcia, is ready for whatever master trainer Freddie Roach and Pacquiao can come up with.
“We have Plan A. Plan B is to follow plan A. And Plan C is to make sure Plan A works. And it will work,” said Vargas.