Lion hearted Rey says it’s got to be Leo Santa Cruz next
Presented with his Green and Gold Belt by World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman, at Sport and Chips in Mexico City, the new WBC featherweight Champion Rey Vargas (36-0, 22KO) says that it's got to be a clash with Leo Santa Cruz next.
Feeling four pounds more comfortable as a champion in a second category, having “Reyned” as WBC super-bantamweight prior to defeating Mark Magsayo for the featherweight belt earlier this month, Rey said of the Leo “Mane” prospect: “It´s going to be a spectacular, and a fight between two Mexicans which the fans really desire. Leo is a champion fighter with some very solid fights and great successes. My undefeated record also speaks for itself, so itlll between two great champions… and for Mexican pride.
“Leo is a strong, courageous fighter who throws a high volume of punches and likes to fight coming forward and is technically sound. He's quite tall, likes to throw punches from long range and I think it will be a fascinating fight. I feel stronger at featherweight. Every bit of weight is important as even a hundred grams can be a significant factor in a boxing match. The strategic plan for my extra weight and diet to achieve it was a little different. It worked well and I was at the proper weight one week before the fight.”
Rey's Trainer, the legendary Nacho Beristain, still slim, spritely and astute aged 83, said that this recent fight had been difficult and exacting, with various trains of thought intervening, but fortunately it had turned out well. He explained that Mark knocking down Rey has reduced the points advantage, but Rey was still one point up and he won the last round to conclude a highly competitive fight. Nacho said there could be a rematch and if this happens it will be an easier win for Rey next time around.
As for Rey fighting Leo Santa Cruz, Nacho says it would obviously be difficult, but Leo is somewhat worn as he's fought a lot of fights, so Rey has an excellent chance for victory. He says that although Rey is not a heavy puncher, he's a very accomplished boxer with a difficult style for opponents and he wields an effective liver punch.
Nacho Beristain and Carlos Vargas awarded WBC Trainer’s belt
During the WBC's traditional “Coffee Tuesdays”, the legendary coach Nacho Beristain and Don Carlos Vargas, received the Trainer's belts, created to recognise the great work and dedication that coaches do when forging the career of champions.
The Trainer's belt is inspired by the traditional towel used at all times by these men who, behind the lights, impress all their passion and dedication focused on their fighters.
The towels were presented from the hands of the President of the WBC, Mr. Mauricio Sulaimán and of course the new WBC featherweight champion, Rey Vargas who just defeated Filipino Magsayo at the Aladome Dome in San Antonio.
A more than deserved recognition because both Nacho and Carlos are the men guiding the champion who, with their experience, iron discipline and love of boxing, have shaped Rey’s remarkable career.
They both recognized Rey as a dedicated fighter who knows that dreams are built on hard work, discipline, and determination.
For the new featherweight champion, having his father and Don Nacho in his corner is a privilege that few champions can have, so he is always grateful for this blessing, although – he laughs – sometimes they have their heated moments.
