After expressing concerns about how much modern great Roy Jones Jr would be able to be there for him during training camp, Jessie Vargas has made the switch to another modern great – Erik Morales – employing the services of the former Mexican champion in the corner for Saturday’s fight with Tim Bradley that comes live from The StubHub centre in Carson, California – screened on HBO in the US and Boxnation in the UK.
Vargas said of the trainer switch to fighthubtv;
“For the biggest fight of my career, I knew that I needed someone day in, day out who could be with me every day of camp – and unfortunately Roy wasn’t able to be there that often. He was in and out and that’s when I spoke with him and said ‘hey, Roy – this is the biggest fight of my career – and he gave me the ok to bring someone else in and that’s when I made the call. Erik Morales came in and it was the right decision.”
With neither Bradley or Vargas being noted punchers, it’s a relatively safe bet to say this is a fight for the long haul and Vargas appears acutely aware of that. Bradley himself has used the build up to take pot-shots at his young rival, suggesting that Vargas won’t be able to handle the experience “Desert Storm” brings to the table over a 12 round fight – as well as making a mockery of the Morales hook-up in the corner.
Vargas was dismissive;
“I know that he’s intimidated and this is just showing it. He’s very intimidated and he doesn’t need to be worrying about my trainer because whatever happens on Saturday night, he’s guiding me to victory and we’re gonna beat you – and where are you gonna go from there, bud?”
“You don’t know Tim to be the kind of fighter who loses control but he’s losing control because he’s scared of the outcome. His own sparring partners have told me how nervous he is and a little bit about his weaknesses”
“I’m ready to be in a dogfight, war – whatever you want to call it. Whatever I have to do, I’m ready for it and I look forward to giving the fans what they want to see – which is a great fight.”
“We are coming home with the win, no matter what, no matter what I have to do. I’m so happy going into this fight. I know that all the hard work I have put in will result in a big victory.”
Twitter @Undilutedpoison