Two Mexican warriors clash this Saturday night live on HBO, from the StubHub Center, in Carson, CA. It’s a classic tale of young lion versus old lion matchup on paper hosted at the perfect venue. Will the fresher fighter in Vargas be the difference in the end? Or will Saildo’s battle tested experience guide him to the victory?
This can’t miss matchup between 130-pound titleholder Francisco Vargas and Orlando Salido came very close to being called off all together, after Vargas tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol.
The WBC and California State Athletic Commission declined to cancel the fight as long as Vargas agreed to move his training camp to America and take part in a more intense testing process. Fransisco has now passed five separate tests since the incident. Whether you believe the tainted Mexican-meat excuse of ranchers putting the substance in their cattle or not, this fight will go on.
When explaining the style of this bout I will borrow Gus Johnson’s slogan “Nuts and Guts”, because that’s what will be on display in southern California. Both men are coming off fight of the year performances which only adds fuel to the fire. It will feature a fast pace full of exchanges and likely trips to the canvas for both men.
If you think about it, this is a very important fight for not only Francisco Vargas, but Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions as well. With Canelo’s court issues and negativity surrounding him, along with losses from mid-level stars like Lucas Matthysse and David Lemiuex, Oscar really needs Vargas to shine. If Vargas were able get past Salido that would make it back-to-back wins in big spots, which would increase his visibility on the west coast.
That said, as a 3-1 favorite and GBP in his corner, if this bout is close at the end of 12 rounds the judges will lean towards Vargas.
Clearly, Francisco’s resume is fairly thin in the way of top level opposition and doesn’t hold a candle to Saildo’s track record. Win, lose, or draw, Orlando will have seen anything and everything Vargas that will throw at him. Each guy sports power in both hands and like to throw similar punches. Left hooks, body punching, and overhand rights will be the top choices of weaponry for both combatants.
Vargas being the shorter puncher also has the ability to move around the pocket instead of the face-first approach Salido will implore. Vargas will need to use his jab and circle Salido forcing him to reset the way Rocky Martinez did in their first meeting April 2015. Time and time again in these all-out brawls, the fighter who makes the slight adjustment tends to come out on top. Even if Vargas does play it smart at times it won’t guarantee a win. In his last fight, Takashi Miura reversed momentum after a shaky start, dropping Vargas and put together rounds in a row. To Vargas’s credit he weathered the storm and got the stoppage.
Orlando’s seek and destroy style will definitely cause ‘El Bandido’ issues. Let us not forget that Saildo’s fine-tuned inside attack gave fits to the uber-talented Vasyl Lomachencko. Salido’s awkward angles when throwing his Sunday punch, the overhand right could be key. His work-rate and stamina will push Vargas to the brink.
The action will be almost instantly from the opening bell with Vargas landing the sharper shots. Saildo’s body work will begin to pay-off creating space for his looping overhand right. Once that lands, it will thrust him in control but only to an extent as the fighters trade punches in the middle of the ring. Two things stand out to this scribe as this war enters the deep waters of the last four rounds. Francisco’s high cheek-bones becoming swelled from a bruise or cut like last November and Orlando’s every decreasing punch resistance.
We could see Salido’s fighting spirit flame-out as his legs and overall body begin to weaken. If that’s the case, Vargas will close stronger and win the fight. My gut tells me to go with the underdog to pull off an upset that wouldn’t be that surprising to anyone. Salido’s body of work experience wise and quality wins versus better talent is too much to overlook.
My Official Prediction is Orlando Salido by late stoppage.
Side Note: The PBC returns to Spike this Friday with Rances Barthemely and Mickey Bey Jr. in the main event. Also on Friday checkout the EstrellaTV/RingTVLive card. And don’t forget that on Saturday the PBC makes its season debut on ESPN.
Written by Chris Carlson Host of The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast at blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio or Download on iTunes
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