Emiliano Vargas Set to Shine in Las Vegas Boxing Match Against Juan Leon

LAS VEGAS – Emiliano Vargas, the 21-year-old son of former champion Fernando Vargas, is aware of the attention he has garnered as he prepares to face Juan Leon from Spain at junior welterweight on Sunday night. The bout takes place at the T-Mobile Arena, part of an electrifying event that highlights the highly anticipated title fight between Naoya Inoue and Ramon Cardenas.

Vargas boasts a growing reputation, fueled not only by his famous surname but also by his appealing looks and Mexican-American heritage. With a record of just 13 professional fights, he feels the mounting pressure to deliver as he builds his career.

“It rubs people the wrong way the way I get attention so early on,” Vargas told BoxingScene. “I don’t even have a belt. I just know that that’s God-given. You could be a world champion and people don’t know when you’re fighting.”

Vargas reflects on the significance of the date, which coincides with Cinco de Mayo weekend. He considers it an opportunity to showcase his talent in front of a vibrant audience. “Come fight night, it’s gonna show,” he said.

He remembers family gatherings centered around major fights, particularly those of Canelo Alvarez and Floyd Mayweather. “I know I’m blessed to be a part of that,” he added.

The prominence of his upcoming fight has already impacted his visibility. Vargas shared that Inoue featured him on social media, leading to a surge of interest from fans, including comments from Japan. “It was a great thing, and I’m gonna maybe fight one day in Tokyo,” he said.

Leon, at 28, enters the ring with more experience but may not receive the same opportunities as Vargas, regardless of the fight’s outcome. Vargas stated, “Being a bigger fighter, he’s coming in from 160, and he has a lot more experience than me.”

Vargas plans to utilize his intelligence and focus during the match. “I’m just looking to go in there and be smart, and things will open up, without a doubt,” he mentioned. He acknowledges Leon as a strong, aggressive opponent but is confident in his ability to outmaneuver him.

“He gets hit a little too much. Especially with a fighter like myself – you can’t get hit too much. I got some power in both hands,” Vargas said. He aims to capitalize on Leon’s weaknesses while remaining strategic throughout the fight.

Vargas has prepared diligently leading up to this match. “Every fight’s a learning experience, whether it’s a fast knockout or we go rounds,” he shared. He describes his training routine, which includes watching fight footage multiple times daily to ensure he is ready on all fronts.

Leon is equally determined, emphasizing his approach as a brawler. “I come here to fight,” he stated, anticipating an exciting contest on Sunday.