By Elliot Worsell
Although the name Vargas is often heard in the world of boxing, its significance holds a different weight for Emiliano Vargas than for others. Not only is it his last name, but it carries immense pride, opportunity, and pressure due to his father Fernando’s accomplishments. This name serves as both a blessing and a curse in Emiliano’s life.
While Vargas may argue and firmly believe that being a renowned fighter’s offspring can only bring positive outcomes, historical evidence contradicts this notion. History consistently demonstrates that, contrary to Vargas’ viewpoint, there are as many instances of famous fighting sons who failed to meet expectations and succumbed to overwhelming pressure as there are successful examples.
“The only pressure I put on myself is how I’m going to win,” Vargas told Boxing News ahead of his ninth pro fight on March 29 in Glendale. “I work too hard to lose and I truly give everything to this sport; my body, my mind, and my soul. For years I have done this. I had 130 amateur fights and was a seven-time national champion. I did everything as an amateur the right way. I saw how it should be done by my father, right? But now, as a professional, I understand what it takes to become a world champion.”
Perhaps, if it seems like a way to avoid the topic, it’s because it actually is. And perhaps it’s necessary for it to be this way. Nevertheless, it’s remarkable how mature Vargas sounds despite being only 19 years old. His confidence and composure in speaking surpass his age and lack of professional experience. He talks as if he has encountered similar situations in the past and has witnessed it all. In a way, this assumption is not entirely unfounded.
“He never believed I would pursue boxing,” he expressed. “In his eyes, I was simply the overweight child with a fondness for food who would eventually lose interest in the sport.”
After opening a boxing gym, unexpected events unfolded. As a few amateur fights ensued, my dedication grew exponentially, and I found myself fully immersed in the sport, triumphing in significant tournaments. And now, here we stand, witnessing the fruits of our efforts.
The bond between my father and me is truly remarkable. I have an immense love for him. It holds a special significance for him since he never had the opportunity to experience a father’s presence. He sees a reflection of his own desires through my experiences, envisioning what it would have been like to have his father by his side during fights and weight cutting. This means a lot to him, and it means a lot to me as well. Having such a strong connection with my father is truly invaluable. There is no greater joy than achieving victory alongside the people you hold dear.
Fernando Vargas (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
In the case of Emiliano, it is worth noting that he not only has the pressure of living up to his famous father’s legacy but also the challenge of emulating someone who achieved great success at a remarkably young age. It may seem unbelievable in today’s boxing landscape, where fighters often progress slowly, but Fernando Vargas was just 21 years old when he won his first world title. At that time, Vargas knocked out the formidable Mexican boxer Yori Boy Campas in seven rounds to claim the IBF light-middleweight championship in 1998. He then went on to defend his title successfully the following year, defeating Howard Clarke (TKO 4), Raúl Márquez (TKO 11), Winky Wright (MD 12), and Ike Quartey (UD 12).
Emiliano, Fernando’s youngest son, is well aware of the impressive speed at which his father has built a legacy. This achievement is remarkable, especially considering that Fernando is in his early thirties, let alone in his early twenties.
He stated, “By the end of the day, I am solely responsible for my actions and decisions. Although my father and I may not always see eye to eye, I recognize that with 14 or 15 fights under my belt and another year of climbing the ranks, we will be aiming to compete for a world title in 2025. This opportunity feels incredibly close to me, especially since I’ve been a young child daydreaming about fighting for a world title. I am filled with immense excitement and am fully prepared to deliver outstanding performances throughout this entire year. I am aware of the level I aspire to reach, and I understand that I must surpass Nelson Hampton, my upcoming opponent, in order to reach that pinnacle.”
I have faith in three fundamental elements: God, my diligent efforts, and the innate abilities bestowed upon me by God. I am confident that these three aspects are harmoniously aligned.
Consider the difficulty Emiliano faces in living up to his father’s esteemed reputation, and then ponder the even greater challenges faced by Fernando. As a former fighter and a father to sons, he must have experienced years of conflicting emotions. On one hand, he likely desired for his children to carry on the family legacy and follow his path. On the other hand, he must have secretly yearned for them to utilize the comfortable life and advantages he had bestowed upon them to pursue different paths in life.
Vargas, with a record of 8-0 (7), reminisced about his early sparring sessions where he inflicted damage upon his opponents, witnessing their blood on his gloves. This experience solidified his preference for professional boxing, as he had already achieved impressive knockouts in his amateur career despite wearing 10-ounce gloves and headgear. When he transitioned to the lighter eight-ounce gloves, he initially felt an exhilaration akin to a child receiving a new toy. However, he has since calmed down and accepted that knockouts will occur naturally. Whether or not it happens is ultimately up to God, and if not, he is prepared to rely on the judges’ decision.
If he manages to defeat Nelson Hampton on Friday, enhancing his record to 9-0, Vargas envisions maintaining his remarkable activity rate by participating in six or seven fights throughout 2024. Additionally, he aspires to gradually establish his own identity separate from his father’s influence and, by 2025, position himself to contend for a world title in either the lightweight or super-lightweight division.
There, at either lightweight or super-lightweight, he could even one day bump into Shakur Stevenson, a fellow American with whom Vargas has already shared a ring, albeit only in sparring. Just 15 at the time, Vargas took from that experience plenty of confidence and left enough of an impression, he says, to ensure Stevenson not only remembers but respects the family name.
Emiliano explained, “Let me simplify it for you: even a silver medallist and reigning world champion like myself had genuine concerns about facing the Vargas brothers. That’s how intense our sparring sessions were. I approached the ring without any fear or reverence. Unlike other fighters who were hesitant and avoided him, I went straight at him and backed him into the ropes. I was there to put in the hard work.”
However, that information is outdated. My attention is now directed towards what lies ahead and what awaits us in the future. If we happen to be in the same weight category and in a position to compete in the future, I am open to the idea of engaging in a fight.
I understand that many people would be interested in witnessing such a fight. However, I realize the importance of gaining more experience before pursuing it. Nevertheless, he is aware of my abilities, as well as those of the Vargas brothers. Our potential cannot be disregarded. I am determined to achieve everything, be it in the 135 division or 140. I am relentless in my pursuit.
Emiliano Fernando Vargas, following in his father’s footsteps on his journey to his first world title, is now demanding not just respect but also to be taken seriously. Moreover, he aspires to instill fear in others. After twenty-five years, he seeks to establish his own formidable presence.
