Ron "Champ" Miller

13.09 - Will left hook + suspect chin = end of fernandomania??? Well the moment will be upon us soon. September 14th 2002 at the beautiful Mandalay Bay. On this day, I believe FernandoMania will die. Why?

I have been waiting years for this date. I really don't like Fernando Vargas. He seems like a punk, who is into the "thug life". He "represents" Oxnard, California. I don't think the fine citizens of Oxnard want to have anything to do with this individual. He calls himself the "true" Mexican. What does that mean? Do real Mexicans wear electronic anklets to monitor their movements? I wonder how he will lace his boots up, come fight night. And what's with JC "Superstar" Chavez in his camp? The same Chavez who lost to DLH twice? I don't see how JC will help Vargas. Unless its a "mental thing".

Oscar Delahoya on the other hand, is in the other corner. He is really not a "great" role model either. He has had "court" problems, as well. The Olympic gold medalist(this is something that kills Fernie) has done it all in boxing. He has lost close fights to Tito Trinidad, Shane Mosely. He had close fights with Ike Quartey and Pernell Whitaker. However I do not consider him a legend, like Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns or Marvin Hagler. He has not had a defining fight, and has arguably lost his four biggest tests, as stated above. Sure, I thought he did beat Tito, but he did not get the decision due to last minute "running", for which he has never quite lived down. Some thought Quartey beat him. Others thought the Whitaker fight was a draw.

Looking at common opponents we don't see much. Both fought Quartey. But Oscar's version was a fresher, younger version. Fernando did outbox Ike, but this version was older and more shot. Let's face it, Ike has never really been into boxing, rather he is more concentrated with running his real estate properties in his hometown of Ghana. Slight edge to Delahoya.

Vargas was "beatdown" by Tito AFTER DLH had arguably beat the Puerto Rican superstar. Edge to Delahoya.

Both beat Wilfredo Rivera, but Vargas was dropped by the feather fisted fighter.

Vargas has a few things in his favor. He is the "natural" junior middleweight. He has been at this weight longer than Delahoya. He is a good boxer as shown when he fought Quartey. He is also very "game". By this I mean, he will never quit, and he will go "out on his shield". I have never seen him in a "boring" fight.

However his achilles heel is his chin. I believe "Chea-to" (Tito) ruined this kid's career. If this fight was before his encounter with Tito, he would have a good chance of victory. However it is not. No matter how much "heart" he has, his chin will fail him.

Delahoya has had over 100 more amateur fights, the better resume and I believe is the "better fighter, and man". He is definately the better boxer. While some "hype" has been involved in his career, not to mention a couple of "gift decisions", he is solid. I believe he is focused, and ready to take care of business. While his punching power may have not travelled well with him, as he moved up, I think his last opponent Javier Castillejos was a little better than I thought.While I don't agree with his trainer,Floyd Mayweather's "techniques", Oscar is the favorite for a reason. His only problem may be his layoff (although Fernando has been on the sidelines also) and his recently operated on hand. The same hand in which he already had problems with.

My pick is DLH by stoppage. I believe this match won't be close as some say. He will either charge after DLH at the bell or Oscar will be outboxing him, and Vargas will take chances, in both cases leaving himself wide open. He may think Oscar has no power at this weight. Which may be a mistake. It's no secret Vargas's weight fluctuates between bouts. He seems a bit weak, licking his lips, like he is "dried out" and is dehydrated. He reminds me of Bones Adams, before his second fight with Paulie Ayala. This one may be over, quick.

Champ's takes: Daniel Seda is a very lucky man. If that fight was anywhere but in his hometown of Puerto Rico, I think the fight doesnt get stopped, and "smoke", well, "smokes" him. Gainer (my pick) picked him apart, dropping him in the first round. But "smoke" got a bit cute, just boxing him, instead of trying to end it. Derrick is good, but his chin is his weakness. But Seda isn't as great as some would have you believe. And is it just me, or is hand-wrapping among Rican's questionable. Boy Seda had some "big" knuckles. Two fights, two same endings. Spooky. But again, Seda should have a loss on his record. This is why I hate fights in "foreign" locations. VEGAS RULES!!!

Roy Jones Jr. needed a couple of rounds to get warmed up, but he looked good, although against mediocre opposition, AGAIN. Not much to report. Jones picked him apart, like he was supposed to. Jones really needs to step it up, as I am finding it harder and harder to defend him. And the bashers/haters are thriving. And no, I dont think Bernard Hopkins can beat him. Hopefully this match with John Ruiz for the WBA (World Blows Association) title will materialize. But don't count on it. I'm not holding my breath, which means we will see Antonio Tarver next. But I'm still hopeful about Ruiz. I guy can dream and wish, can't he. My fingers are crossed. Wow, could you imagine if Jones beat Louise? What would the haters/bashers say? The HORROR!!!!!! AND NEWWWWW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD.......ROY JONES JUNIOR!!!!!!!!!!! Nah.....Tarver is next..........

Well thats it fight fans!!!! Keep your hands up, and keep punching for the stars!!! Enjoy the fights, but remember we are close to war. Remember those victims (don't let them die in vain) and families and of 9/11 and God Bless the USA!!!! The greatest country on earth!!!!!!