Top Rank’s card on Friday night is filled with some enticing matchups, and one of the fighters being groomed for stardom will also be featured. Lightweight prospect Emiliano Vargas (8-0, 7 KOs) is the son of the great Fernando Vargas, but at this point in his career, he’s established himself as just Emiliano Vargas: the fighter.
In 2023, the 19-year-old Vargas was very busy, which is always good for a young fighter coming up the ranks. With stoppages for five of his six fights last year, the only exception was a unanimous decision win in February. Vargas enjoys being busy and knows that the experience of fighting so much will only help make him a better fighter and future world champion.
“I’m a fighter at the end of the day,” said Vargas confidently. “I’m only going out there to do my job. I’m a ‘Contract Killer’. Top Rank sends the contract, and I take them down. I’m grateful to Top Rank for giving me the platform, and I will return the favor with those performances.”
Vargas continued, “I took away a lot of experience fighting six times last year. Every opponent I faced, I had to bring out something different to win. The experience accumulates, and it will pay off when I fight for those world titles and have to dig deep. I’m looking to do the same this year with five or six fights, maybe seven. I’m a fighter at the end of the day.”
While Top Rank was hosting the Teofimo Lopez vs Jamaine Ortiz fight at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, they took advantage of the media in attendance to host a press conference and formally announce Friday’s fight card. In the last seat at the left of the stage, looking like a star, was a sharply dressed Vargas. Behind the media on the floor level was his father, Fernando Vargas, the pride on his face obvious as he watched the spitting image of himself in his son on that stage.
Vargas told FightsATW, “My father and I have a beautiful relationship, and it’s something I cherish. He never had his father, so he confides in me and tells me that this is what it would look like if his father were in his life. It’s heavy and touches home. Boxing brings us so close. We just work beautifully together.”
Regarding professional development, Top Rank has Hall of Fame matchmakers who are some of the best in developing a young fighter. This stage of Vargas’ career would likely be when they start to increase the level of competition. Vargas understands the game and consistently prepares for those moments by sparring with world champions to keep his blade sharp. He has been doing it for years, and that is likely what got him those impressive victories so far.
Vargas’ goals include making it into the top 15 in 2024 and having a title shot next year. Those are lofty goals but not impossible ones, and if he puts in the necessary work, it can happen for him. His opponent, Nelson Hampton (10-8, 6 KOs), stands in the way. While most fans would be quick to dismiss Hampton because of his record, Vargas isn’t doing so and will treat him as an opponent looking to derail his plans.
“Any fighter with eight-ounce gloves has a puncher’s chance,” said Vargas. “I walk into every fight knowing that they have the opportunity to make a name off of me. They don’t care about me and my last name. They don’t care about anything else but beating me. I understand that fully. Nothing else matters in the world but March 29. My career doesn’t progress unless I get past Nelson Hampton.”
Vargas hopes that when this year is said and done, fight fans will say that “He is ready for a world title and that he’s a contender.” While that is the goal, Vargas has a message for those tuning in or watching the fight live in Glendale, AZ. “I know I have to prove myself. If Top Rank puts them in front of me, they will go to sleep. March 29, Glendale, AZ, don’t blink. I know it’s going to be a show.”
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