By Albert Alvarez
“I want people to know who Francisco Vargas is, and the only way that’s going to happen is by fighting with the best.” – Francisco Vargas
AA- Alright Francisco, I got to start this off by saying that this one-on-one interview will be filed under my future force section. That’s exactly what you are, a future force of the sport. I remember seeing you in a couple fights and thinking to myself, “Wow, that kid has very solid work rate and places his punches together incredibly well.” Talk to us about how you got started in boxing, and where does that hunger come from?
FV- It makes me very happy that I have a following and that people like the way that I fight. It motivates me more to keep winning fights for the people who follow me. I started training when I was fifteen. I got started because I saw it on TV and it really caught my attention. I started telling my family I wanted to start boxing. My uncle took me to the gym, and little by little I got fights. Step by step I got to where I am now.
AA- I notice that many times, when you corner and trap your opponent, you step in with your lead foot and then turn your right hand over and finish it with a sharp left downstairs. It’s the way you place your lead foot that caught my eye. Other fighters step in, but it’s almost as if you plant yours. That’s something that the great Ricardo ‘’Finito’’ Lopez would do. Do you study a lot of fight videos from past greats? If so, what fighter is your favorite one to study?
FV- It really depends on the rival, how he’s going to land his shots. Sometimes it happens that way coincidentally. Sometimes I plan it out. My way of fighting is to pressure my opponent to get them tired. Once I see them tired, I start throwing shots above, and then finish with the body shots.
I feel I fight more like Salvador Sanchez and Chavez Sr. in terms of my style of fighting. Ricardo Lopez was more technical. If I study any fighters, it’s them two, Sanchez and Chavez. They are my idols. Those are the fighters I study the most.
AA- You are currently at 16-0-1 with 13 knockouts, I see that you have a fight coming up in early August. Your management team has been doing a great job in keeping you busy, have you been told as to who you will be facing yet? Most of the time, during a fighter’s young career, it’s very hard in finding footage of certain fighters. How hard is it to face a fighter that you have no idea as to what type of fighter he is? How do you prepare for that?
FV- I’m going to be fighting Brandon Bennett. All fighters are tough. This one is left-handed, so I’ve been preparing for that. I spent two weeks training at the Centro Ceremonial Otomi. It is 3000 meters above sea level…I was training in that altitude to work on my conditioning. Now I’m back in Mexico City. What I’m working on now is my speed and punching power. That way I can go into the fight feeling confident and give it everything I have to take home that victory.
AA- You campaign in the lightweight division, which has always been a hot division. Not too long ago, I was asked on what two prospects in the lightweight division would I like to see lock horns and get it on. My answer was, Francisco Vargas against Ivan Redkach. That fight has fireworks written all over it. Is there any particular fighter in your sights that you would like to lock horns with to kick the door down to announce to the boxing world that Francisco Vargas has arrived?
FV- I just wants to fight with the best. I want people to know who Francisco Vargas is, and the only way that’s going to happen is by fighting with the best. That’s why this fight in August is so important. Because of Bennett’s record, because who he’s involved with [Adrien Broner’s Band Camp], I feel I can make some waves with this fight. That’s exactly why I’m training so hard- so I can bring the boxing world a surprise that day. I have trained myself mentally and physically very well.
AA- Can you walk us through as to what a day in the life looks like for you? What do your meals consist of? How many times a day do you work out, and for how long? What would you say are the most important things to eat or not to eat while trying to make weight?
FV- Basically, making weight is #1. I have struggled with weight, but I don’t struggle as much as some other fighters. In the morning, I go run. When I get home, my mom makes me homemade juice with which I replace breakfast. It is made from cactus, pineapple, oranges, spinach and I feel that helps give me energy, fuels my metabolism and helps my digestive system.
I avoid greasy food, tortillas, and bread. I don’t drink any sodas. I basically just drink water. After breakfast, I start training. I might spar, depending on the day. I work out two to three times per day. After I train, I go home, have lunch and rest. At night I work on my strength and conditioning. The last week, there is no sparring, and I mostly just drink liquid and eat very light food, if any.
AA- Talk to us about the importance of having Joel De La Hoya as your manager. Not only is he a great person, but being in his brothers corner for all those years, is definitely a great thing to have experienced. His eyes have just about seen it all in the ring. How did you two link up, and what would you say is the most important advice that he has given you?
FV- Having him as part of my team helps me feel happy. I feel a lot of tranquility because before anything, we’re friends. There is a lot of trust between us. He advises and motivates me. He gives me that extra boost of confidence that I need as a fighter. The one thing that really sticks with me that he says is, “You have to sacrifice yourself now so you can live better in the future.”
AA- Let’s do a quick getting to know you better rundown. Who are your favorite top 5 fighters of all time?
FV- 1. Ricardo Lopez 2. JCC 3. Salvador Sanchez 4. Miguel Cotto 5. Lucas Matthysse
AA- What is your favorite meal?
FV- Chile Rellenos.
AA- What is your favorite song to listen to while working out?
FV- Tropical music, with a lot of rhythm, cumbia, salsa.
AA- If you could have dinner with only one fighter, past or present, who would it be? And what would you ask him or her?
FV- Ricardo Lopez – What did he do to be able to retire from boxing staying undefeated.
AA- Who is your celebrity crush?
FV- (laughs) J. Lo.
AA- Canelo or Mayweather, who wins? And why?
FV- Mayweather because of his style and the way he fights. Nobody can touch him.
***Special Shout out- I would like to personally give a special shout out to Emily Pandelakis for the set up of this interview. Also to Nancy Rodriguez for assisting with the translation of this interview, and also to Francisco Vargas for taking the time to speak to us. I very much appreciate all your time and hard work. Thank you.
