Emiliano Vargas shines in the spotlight, securing a TKO victory in the co-main event.
GLENDALE, Arizona – Promoter Eddie Hearn's eyes lit up when he first laid eyes on Emiliano Vargas, recognizing the potential of a rising star in the boxing world. With Vargas exuding an air of confidence, donning gold-rimmed sunglasses and a sharp suit, Hearn proclaimed, 'This kid is a force to be reckoned with. He's the co-main event.'
Consequently, the match between former welterweight title contender Abel Ramos was demoted, making way for Vargas to take center stage on the DAZN card at the Desert Diamond Arena.
Fresh from his appearance on the Super Bowl 60 halftime show, Vargas showcased his prowess on Saturday, defeating Agustin Quintana of Argentina by TKO after nine rounds. Referee Raul Caiz Jnr intervened as Quintana, with a record of 22-3-1 (13 KOs), endured significant damage from head punches and began bleeding near both eyes.
Despite Quintana's protests, the decision was final. Vargas, with his 14th knockout, expressed his desire to continue learning, saying, 'From Prospect of the Year to Super Bowl to 17-0, I just want to keep on learning.'
Vargas, under contract with Bob Arum's Top Rank, demonstrated his prowess in the third round, knocking Quintana with a right, a power jab, and a combination of body blows. He continued his dominance in the fourth, slamming a left to the head.
Quintana, to his credit, showed resilience, pounding Vargas' body in the fifth and landing a low blow. Vargas responded to the body but acknowledged that the round wasn't his best. This test of grit is what Vargas, a battle-tested fighter from Oxnard, needs to prove his mettle.
'I wanted to go for the knockout,' Vargas said. 'That's what experience is for. He's a hell of a fighter.'
Vargas, guided by his trainer-father, pounded the body and further reddened Quintana's eyes in the seventh. Hard rights to the head in the eighth kept Vargas in the fight, and despite Quintana's urging, the damage was done. The elder Vargas begged for more in the ninth, and Vargas obliged, rocking Quintana to the ropes with power punches.
'I'm coming for all the dogs,' Vargas declared. 'I'm just 21. I want to be world champion and continue to refine my skills.' He expressed his desire to face a former world champion in his next bout, aiming to elevate his status further.
