PACQUIAO: "I WON'T BE OVERCONFIDENT AGAINST VARGAS"
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 09 Oct 2016
Senator Manny Pacquiao is the best bet to win in the WBO welterweight champioship against titleholder Jessie Vargas. The reason is so simple - Pacquiao easily defeated Timothy Bradley twice and Bradley won over Vargas by unanimous decision.
Another plus factor for the Filipino boxing icon is the fighting style of Vargas as the Mexican-American is expected to slug it out all night long. It is the boxing technique that suits Pacquiao's preference.
?Yes he?s good for my style but I won?t [be] overconfident. I won?t take lightly this opponent. I want to make sure that I?m in 100 percent condition. That?s why I train hard,? said Pacquiao as quoted by RingTV.com. ?I know his style, so we know what we?re going to do. I know what I?m going to do to him."
Pacquiao is set to establish another accomplishment - the first sitting senator to win a world boxing title. "My goal is, I want to get another title. This coming fight, Vargas is the champion so I want to get the belt again.?
The fighter younger by ten years could not be belittled. But his experience of 28 bouts and 189 rounds is nothing compared to the senator's 66 bouts and 431 rounds. ?Jessie Vargas is a good fighter; he?s an A-level fighter. These guys are Triple-As, Marquez, Morales, De La Hoya, Barrera. Jessie?s not there yet,? said Pacquiao?s trainer Justin Fortune in RingTV.com.
Vargas has been dreaming of facing world renowned boxers like Pacquiao. "I want to keep climbing, this is the fight I was expecting since I was a child. I will fight with a well-respected and well-known figure, one of the best in the world, and this is my chance," Vargas told Boxing Scene.
He wished to be in the small list of fighters wh defeated the eight division world champion. "Once I beat Pacquiao I will be given a lot of respect and receive recognition to my career. There is a very small list of fighters who have become legends by beating Pacquiao. Morales and Marquez did."
Vargas wanted to fight Pacquiao while still in his prime. "From what I saw in his last fight with Bradley, I think he was still at his best. I'm glad Manny is in good time in his career, because then no one will have any excuse. I want to beat the best Manny Pacquiao. I like challenges and I want to prove to people what I'm made of and that's why I'm happy with this fight."
He hopes that a win will turn himself into a boxing legend. "I will become a legend myself and he will continue his legacy as a senator. It is a win-win situation for both of us," added Vargas.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
WEIGHTS FROM PROBOXTV’S FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS
Fri, 21 Nov 2025JC Chavez Jr to return in January 2026
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 20 Nov 2025Houston Rockets Subdue Cleveland Cavaliers, 114-104, Gain Tie for 2nd in the West
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 20 Nov 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 1: 1904 OLYMPICS AT ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, UNITED STATES
By Maloney L. Samaco, Thu, 20 Nov 2025Pacquiao, Nine Other Pinoys in Latest Ring Ratings
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 20 Nov 2025QUOTES FROM MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS LOS ANGELES OPEN WORKOUT AT WILD CARD BOXING CLUB AND LAS VEGAS OPEN WORKOUT AHEAD OF NOV. 29 FIGHT NIGHT AT PECHANGA RESORT CASINO
Thu, 20 Nov 2025Super Featherweight Sluggers ‘Tsendy’ Erdenebat and Abraham Montoya Agree to Meet in Short-Notice Co-Featured Bout on Proboxtv’s Friday Night Fights
Thu, 20 Nov 2025Cartagenas, Yu top 4th DCHS Fun Run
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 20 Nov 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 18 NOVEMBER 2025: Espinosa Defeats Khegai; Benn Gets Even With Eubank Jnr; Catterall Stops Essuman
By Eric Armit, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Paras to challenge Malajika for IBO World super flyweight title on Nov. 29 in South Africa
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Lebron James is first player to play 23 seasons in NBA history
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Team Tira Tira Sampaloc Tres is SJDM Woodpusher Society 3X3 Rapid Chess Tournament Champion
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 19 Nov 2025RUN IT BACK! GOLDEN BOY KICKS OFF 2026 FIGHT SCHEDULE WITH NIGHT OF HIGH STAKES REMATCHES
Wed, 19 Nov 2025Boxlab Promotions “Night of Champions XIII” Undercard Bouts Announced
Wed, 19 Nov 2025Porres-Narukami fight moved to Nov. 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 19 Nov 2025