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:
Facularin to fight Torres on December 13 in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 12 Dec 2025Baricuatro wins, Veloso falters in SEAG boxing
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 12 Dec 2025BASH BOXING AND UP NEXT FIGHTING RETURN WITH SPECIAL EDITION UNF 29 TOMORROW NIGHT AT ACE · MISSION STUDIOS IN LOS ANGELES
Fri, 12 Dec 2025MERCADO AIMING TO SEND MESSAGE TO 140LB RIVALS
Fri, 12 Dec 2025Sullivan Management signs Influencer/pro boxer Brooklyn Barwick
Fri, 12 Dec 2025Round 12: Successful WBC Annual Convention in Bangkok (Photos)
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Fri, 12 Dec 2025Halfway Point Surpassed at the 2025 USA Boxing National Championships
Fri, 12 Dec 2025NBA Daily: Wembanyama-less Spurs Dominate Lakers 132-119 in NBA Cup Quarterfinals
By Reylan Loberternos, Thu, 11 Dec 2025The 18th edition of the Kamatyas FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament on December 13
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 11 Dec 2025TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Undefeated Contender Kevin “Alfa” Brown Ready to Challenge Cletus Seldin for WBA Interim World Title on December 13
Thu, 11 Dec 2025ProBox CEO Garry Jonas Says Team Lamont Roach Looking for Tank Rematch Next or Pitbull Rematch in DC
Thu, 11 Dec 2025Jean Henri Lhuillier Celebrates Cebuana Lhuillier Sports Ambassadors Competing in SEA Games 2025
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 11 Dec 2025TEOFIMO LOPEZ VS. SHAKUR STEVENSON ON JANUARY 31
By Maloney L. Samaco, Wed, 10 Dec 2025QUOTES FROM TODAY’S CHM 2: REMATCH SEASON OPEN WORKOUT PRESENTED BY CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH
Wed, 10 Dec 2025Villarosa to fight Antaran on Dec. 18 in Bucana
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 10 Dec 2025