Vargas vs. Mayorga - Fight Preview and Bodog Odds

On Friday, November 23rd, former world boxing champions Fernando Vargas and Ricardo Mayorga will square off at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

These two really dislike one another, as evidenced by their press conference brawl and their repeated verbal taunting of one another. Mayorga has repeatedly referred to Vargas as fat, and Vargas has responded by insulting Mayorga’s mother and questioning his masculinity. This should make for one helluva grudge match.

They were initially scheduled to fight at 162, but this has been changed to a catch weight of 166, due to Vargas’ trouble making weight. Neither man has fought above 160 pounds in their careers.

RICARDO “EL MATADOR” MAYORGA

Mayorga is 28-6-1, with 23 knockouts and 1 no contest. He is 33 years old and holds notable wins over Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis and Vernon Forrest. He has lost to fighters such as Oscar De La Hoya, Felix Trinidad and Corey Spinks. Mayorga is the former WBC and WBA welterweight champ, as well as the WBC 154-pound title holder.

Style

A wild slugger, Mayorga is frequently off-balance due to his aggressive style in the ring. He lacks discipline, but he’s got a truckload of guts. He’s constantly swinging for the fences, and this crowd-pleasing style has allowed him to win all but five of his 28 victories by knockout.

Strengths

Mayorga has good knockout power, and he’s constantly looking to put it to the test. He also combines great physical strength with a solid chin. This native of Nicaragua is one tough customer.

Weaknesses

Mayorga smokes, drinks and lives a completely wild lifestyle. This translates into a lack of discipline inside the ring, and he throws wild shots which can make him vulnerable to skilled and patient fighters. His defense is also lacking, and an accurate puncher has a chance to pick him apart.

FERNANDO “FEROCIOUS” VARGAS

Vargas is the former IBF and WBA junior middleweight champion. His record is 24-4, with 22 wins coming by way of knockout. He is 29 years old and has notable wins over Javier Castillejo, Yory Boy Campas, Winky Wright, Ike Quartey. He has lost to Oscar De La Hoya, Felix Trinidad, and Shane Mosley (twice).

Style

Vargas is an excellent boxer, but he also likes to get inside and bang. His left hook is particularly effective, and he is an all-around athlete.

Strengths

His left hook is his best shot, and his right cross is also very dangerous. He’s an excellent inside fighter, and he’s skilled at blocking, moving and throwing vicious uppercuts inside. He also possesses fluid movement and can maneuver around the ring with ease. Vargas has a lot of heart.

Weaknesses

Over the last several years, Vargas has suffered from a bad back. His chin has also been questioned over the course of his career. He’s prone to get cut, and he’s had trouble making weight in recent years.

BODOG ODDS

So who’s going to come out the winner in this one? Well, let’s see what our good friends at Bodog have to say. Remember, the maximum bet on each is $500.

Who will win the fight?

Fernando Vargas -180

Ricardo Mayorga +150

Total rounds for the fight?

Over 8 ½ rounds -130

Under 8 ½ rounds -110

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Vargas vs. Mayorga - Fight Preview and Bodog Odds