Vargas – Castillejo a Cracking Good Card

HBO Delivers the Goods with Juarez, Vargas on Exciting Twin Bill

The Windy City of Chicago, Illinois sees it’s second major fight card in a row this weekend as HBO presents Rocky Juarez – Humberto Soto for the Interim WBC Featherweight belt as well as former IBF Light Middle star Fernando Vargas’ ten rounder with another ex-world champ, Javier Castillejo. The Saturday spectacular begins at 10:15 pm ET/PT and it’s a bill that should not be missed as both bouts are of prime importance to their respective weight classes. For Juarez, of Houston Texas, it’s a very dangerous assignment with Humberto Soto possibly a tougher challenge than the original opponent, full WBC Champion Injin Chi. Vargas must be on form in his date with Castillejo as the Spaniard has proven to be one of the better light middles in the world over the last five years and will be looking to capitalize on weaknesses exposed by Felix Trinidad and Oscar De La Hoya, the only fighters who have mastered “Ferocious.”

Rocky Juarez, 23-0 (16), comes into this weekend with a perfect record and has spent the last two years turning back quality opponents such as Guty Espadas, Hector Velazquez, Antonio “Chelo” Diaz, Zahir Raheem and Joe Morales among others. The only real difficulty the 25 year old former 2000 US Olympian has had was with Raheem, a slick, quick Philadelphia fighter that the Texan was unable to finish when he had the 1996 Olympian Raheem hurt and ready to go.

Humberto Soto, 36-5-2 (21), of Los Mochis, Mexico is also 25 but has had almost twice as much experience on paper as Juarez. In actual pro experience, Juarez has probably fought the better men and he’s never lost as well. Soto’s most difficult tasks came in bouts against Jorge Solis, Kevin Kelley, Wilson Alcorro, Cesar Figueroa and Hector Marquez with “La Zorrita” losing two of those with one no contest.

Much of this bout rests with the course of action Juarez takes. A vicious body puncher, Juarez could seek to methodically break down the Mexican and avoid unnecessary exchanges but must pace himself and not run out of gas as was the case against Raheem. Juarez should be able to figure out Soto and set up a rescheduled pairing with WBC titlist Injin Chi, a much anticipated contest.

Fernando Vargas, 25-2 (22), has had an up and down career since his crash and burn war with Felix Trinidad almost five years ago and this bout could be the last outing before he gets another opportunity at genuine world honors. The Californian came back well from the Trinidad experience, picking up the WBA crown before running into arch rival Oscar De La Hoya in 2002. Despite holding his own through the mid way point, the Golden Boy’s big left hook ended Vargas’ hopes in the 11th and the Oxnard man had to come back through the ranks all over again. “Ferocious” Fernando has still proved adept at getting past fighters such as Fitz Vanderpool, Tony Marshall and Ray Joval but Castillejo should offer a stiffer challenge.

Javier Castillejo, 58-5 (39), hails from Madrid and holds wins over current IBF titlist Roman Karmazin, Tony Marshall, Keith Mullings and Michael Rask. The Spaniard has previous held the WBC and European crowns but was dominated four years ago in his highest profile bout to date by De La Hoya. Despite the long experience, the 37 year old generally comes up short when facing true top of the line opposition and if Vargas is still one of the best light middles in the world he should win this fight and set up his long awaited rematch with the Golden Boy.

Regardless of who prevails in these two contests, the repercussions will effect both the Featherweight and Light Middle divisions and as such qualify as must watch TV.

Contact Curtis McCormick at thomaspointrd@aol.com