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Around SBN: The Amateur Mathematics Of Linsanity

Fernando Vargas looking at a comeback

Fernando Vargas is trying to work himself back into shape for a potential comeback. He retired in 2007. (Photo via z.about.com)

T.K. Stewart reports that former junior middleweight titlist Fernando Vargas is back in training and hoping to return to the ring in 2010.

Earlier this year, Vargas was challenged by Hector Camacho Jr., who has floated between 140 and 175 pounds in his career, and Vargas seemed interested in a possible fight. Camacho (49-3-1, 27 KO) has one of the most artificially enhanced records in the sport, and is currently scheduled to face shot veteran Yori Boy Campas (92-14-1, 74 KO) on October 30 in Texas. Camacho called out Vargas following his August 29 win over Israel Cardona in Cleveland, a fight Vargas attended.

It's no secret that "El Feroz" has gotten fat in his time off, and there's no nicer way to put that. He hasn't put on a few, he hasn't gotten comfortable, he's gotten fat. I'm sure Vargas himself would say the same thing. Stewart says he's lost about 10 pounds in the last couple of weeks.

Vargas (26-5, 22 KO) retired after an exciting 2007 loss in a grudge match against Ricardo Mayorga. That loss followed back-to-back defeats at the hands of Sugar Shane Mosley. His other two losses came by TKO to Oscar de la Hoya and Felix Trinidad. Vargas' best win probably came back in 1999, a debated decision victory over Winky Wright.

It's been years since Vargas was really a top of the line fighter, but if he can get into shape and he really fights Camacho, I'll take a rusty Vargas over Camacho without thinking twice.

T.K. Stewart also says this isn't a return motivated by a lack of money. Vargas had set himself up quite well with several business ventures before his retirement, and he doesn't appear to be hurting for cash. He's 31, has taken an extended break, and might just be itching to compete again. He's definitely taken some punishment over the years, but this comeback doesn't sound crazy or desperate. It just sounds like a comeback.

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Looking at a comeback or looking to cutback?

"Penelosa is not human." -Max Kellerman on Gerry Penelosa during the Juan Manuel Lopes-Gerry Penelosa bout.

by Sickle on Oct 1, 2009 3:12 PM EDT reply actions  

Actually, Vargas called out Camacho

Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."

by Brickhaus on Oct 1, 2009 3:47 PM EDT reply actions  

i watched a video where camacho called out vargas in the crowd saying “If you wanna come back, i’m here” and then someone passed vargas a mic whatever, it all seemed pretty staged…but vargas is only 31, thats the tragic side of boxing, we call these guys shot, past their prime, etc. but seldom do we realize how young these guys are when they leave the game..i can’t think of another sport where guys reach their peak so soon or have such a shorter prime, thats why their are so many fake retirements and comebacks

by JohnUtah on Oct 1, 2009 4:43 PM EDT reply actions  

Feroz peaked EXTREMELY early

And faded very early as well.

Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."

by Brickhaus on Oct 1, 2009 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

31 is like 51 for some guys. I personally think Vargas is one of those guys, but I wish him well in his comeback. If he can pass the medicals, why not?

"This fight'll be the nastiest thing you'll ever see. I been sober for six weeks, and that makes me vicious."
-- Randall 'Tex' Cobb

by jrok on Oct 1, 2009 6:49 PM EDT reply actions  

Vargas knocks out Camacho in two rounds. Sadly, I think Vargas’ biggest wins were actually his losses to Trinidad and De La Hoya.

by kgon47 on Oct 1, 2009 8:14 PM EDT reply actions  

I live five minutes from him, have spent time at his house during a party for one of his kids, and met him many times.

As a person, he’s top notch. As a boxer, he’s B-Level but could have been A-Level had he taken it more seriously.

Twitter: @FlyByKnite

by FlyByKnight on Oct 2, 2009 12:37 AM EDT reply actions  

It won’t hurt the sport if he comes back. At least Vargas can fill the seats unlike a Mosley. . It would make good business cents for a promoter.

by Haans Bishop on Oct 2, 2009 2:11 PM EDT reply actions  

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