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| In Boxing, second chances don’t come around very often. Many times a promising fighter is put in too deep too soon in his career and when he or she invariably fails to deliver against the odds, the “talent” is cut loose by their handlers. Third chances are even |  |
rarer but that’s what light middleweight Fernando Vargas has been working to capitalize upon as he stands on the brink of facing opponent Javier Castillejo tonight in suburban Chicago during HBO’s Saturday night
Vargas has managed to come back after two knock down, drag out affairs against Oscar de la Hoya and Felix Trinidad, reeling off three victories in a row since his last loss. The heart of the former IBF Light Middle Champion is beyond question but Vargas may have deteriorated somewhat physically after absorbing tremendous amounts of punishment in those two bouts.
The very experienced Castillejo should help to provide some answers about what Vargas has left. The seasoned veteran will be motivated by the situation of his being 37 years old and facing what could be his last opportunity to gain access to another world title shot. Vargas is close to being in the same boat, not in regards to his age, but the idea that a loss would almost certainly shatter his world title aspirations.
Make no mistake, this a dangerous bout for “El Feroz”, who has pledged to better employ his boxing skills and defense during the pursuit of victory tonight. But the West Coast man will almost certainly have to go to the trenches at times during the bout and that is where Castillejo will have his best chances.
Contact Curtis McCormick at thomaspointrd@aol.com
