Vargas says fighting Pacquiao makes him better

Jessie Vargas gets back up after he was knocked down by Manny Pacquiao, of the Philippines, during their WBO welterweight title boxing match, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, in Las Vegas. Referee Kenny Bayless is on the right. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

LAS VEGAS–Jessie Vargas now knows the difference between him being a champion and a legend like Manny Pacquiao.

“You have to be alert every second to stay alive,” said Vargas, who likened fighting Pacquiao to playing a fast game of chess.

“I stayed on my toes trying to catch him,” said Vargas. “But he’s a very experienced fighter.”

Though he tasted defeat for the second time in 29 fights and got knocked down also for the second time, Vargas believes he gained from the experience.

“Just being there (against Pacquiao), will make me better,” said the 27-year-old Vargas, who expected the eight-division world champion to be more aggressive in the ring.

“We’re trying to time him coming in, but he was more cautious and very quick on his feet. He’s quick in and out.”

His trainer, Dewey Cooper, agreed.

Feeling that the scores should have been closer, Cooper said Vargas proved that he isn’t a Chris Algieri type. Algieri, of course, is best remembered for the six knockdowns handed him by Pacquiao in 2014 in Macau.

According to Vargas, he didn’t see the punch coming so it was a flash knockdown.

Claiming that he made Pacquiao hesitate to come in 2-3-4 times, Vargas said he’s proven that he belongs.

“To do that against Manny Pacquiao, I think I see a bright future,” said Vargas, who wore dark shades in the post-fight conference to hide the marks on his face.

“Jessie showed his huge heart. He never gave up,” said Cooper. “We accept our disappointments, but we will come back stronger.”