Jessie Vargas Signs With Cameron Dunkin, Possibly Top Rank Bound

Jessie Vargas, who has risen to some prominence fighting under the Mayweather Promotions banner, has signed with manager Cameron Dunkin and is reportedly a free agent, with BoxingScene.com reporting there are strong rumors the welterweight prospect is headed to Top Rank.

Dunkin, whose stable includes the likes of Timothy Bradley, Kelly Pavlik, Brandon Rios, Nonito Donaire, and others, has long-standing ties with Bob Arum's promotional company, and says they'll look to do what's best for Vargas' career. He also manages James Kirkland, who is promoted by Golden Boy, but most of Dunkin's top fighters are with Top Rank.

Vargas (19-0, 9 KO) has featured on the last two Mayweather pay-per-view shows, edging out Josesito Lopez last September, and routing Steve Forbes on May 5. Between those bouts, he won a rough fight against Lanardo Tyner on ShoBox in February.

Vargas leaving, as it appears he will, would be quite a hit to the Mayweather Promotions company, which at this point doesn't even really put on its own cards or anything. That ShoBox in February had their logo on the turnbuckle pads and all, but the promoter of record was Golden Boy. Without Vargas, the only Mayweather fighter of note is Deandre Latimore, who has looked lousy in his two fights under their banner, going 1-1.

Vargas, 23, does have some future in the sport, and would be a good signing for any of the major promoters. He's probably not a future superstar (that's just my opinion), but he's already a solid young fighter, and it doesn't hurt to have guys like that on your roster.