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Jessie Vargas Throws His Hat in the Political Ring and Finds Himself an Underdog Again
Few professional boxers have a plan for what they will do when they can no longer box. Jessie Vargas is an exception. The LA-born, Las Vegas-raised prizefighter, a former world title-holder at 140 and 147 pounds, aspires to a career in politics. On Monday, Nov. 8, Vargas, 32, took the first step toward reaching that goal when he announced his candidacy for the United States Congress where, if elected, he would represent Nevada’s District 4, a district whose population is overwhelmingly concentrated in North Las Vegas.
Vargas won his first 26 pro fights but is 3-3-2 in his last eight. The defeats came at the hands of Timothy Bradley, Manny Pacquaio, and Mikey Garcia. All three bouts were reasonably competitive although Judge Dave Moretti’s 114-113 card for Pacquiao was a bit of a stretch; the fight wasn’t quite that close.
Vargas was an underdog in all three fights – a sizeable underdog to Pacquiao and Garcia – and in his first foray into the political arena he finds himself an underdog again. For one thing, he is running as a Republican in a blue state. Democrats have won five of the last seven presidential elections. Nevada currently has a Democratic governor. Both Senators and three of the four emissaries in the House are Democrats.
On the state level, few organizations are as politically powerful as Nevada’s Culinary Union Local 226 and affiliated Bartenders Local 165. Members include not only kitchen workers and food and drink servers, but bellmen, porters, housekeepers and laundry workers. The district that Vargas hopes to represent includes several upscale communities, but is predominantly blue-collar.
In Nevada, the 2020 U.S. presidential race pit the Union, whose leadership pushed hard for Biden, against the late casino mogul Sheldon Adelson, Donald Trump’s biggest donor. The Union, more than 60,000 strong, 45 percent immigrant, prevailed. Nevada stayed blue.
Before he can challenge incumbent Steven Horsford, who will almost certainly seek a third consecutive term, Vargas must get by the primary. Two others have declared their intention to run as Republicans including Colombian-American political operative Carolina Serrano who will undoubtedly drain some Hispanic votes away from the prizefighter. Moreover, Nevada’s voters have been partial to women lately. Four of the six members of Congress are female.
Jessie Vargas, however, has a lot going for him. He’s photogenic and he’s well-spoken in two languages. He’s been involved in the community. Among other things, he has taught self-defense to recruits at the Las Vegas Police Academy. He’s worked as a color commentator for HBO Latino and DAZN, expanding his profile.
Vargas is a lapsed Democrat. Judging from the results of the recent gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, he has a lot of company. Moreover, in Nevada, Republicans have been making some inroads, however slight. Trump garnered 47.7 percent of the Silver State vote in 2020, up from 45.5 in 2016. Jessie Vargas’s entry into the political arena as a convert to Republicanism may have come at just the right time, but as the old saying goes, a year is an eternity in politics.
Is Vargas done with boxing? Not necessarily. He acknowledges that he is considering some offers. He had an agreement in principle to fight on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez’s May 8 tilt in Texas with Billy Joe Saunders – it would have been Jessie’s first venture at 154 – but promoter Eddie Hearn was unable to dredge up a suitable opponent. Liam Smith called out Vargas last month after he blew past Anthony Fowler in the “Battle of Liverpool.” Since Smith is aligned with Hearn, that would be an easy fight to make.
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Should Vargas win a seat in Congress, he would hardly be the first boxer to make his mark in politics.
During the 19th century, as the Irish were seizing control of the political machinery in many large cities, the boxer-politician came to the fore. Bare-knuckle boxer John Morrissey, who was a young child when his Irish immigrant parents brought him to America, raised the bar.
During his fighting days that culminated with him winning the American championship, Morrissey became a pet of Tammany Hall, New York’s notoriously corrupt Democratic machine. With Tammany support he became a two-term U.S. Congressman and then, when a schism developed in Tammany over the pay of New York City’s municipal workers, declared himself the workingman’s candidate and was elected to the New York State Senate. He would be best remembered as the founding father of the Saratoga racetrack.
Many ex-boxers, when they entered the political arena, chose some branch of the judiciary that didn’t require a law degree. Voters in many communities were partial to the two-fisted variety of sheriff, men that didn’t need to un-holster their gun to chase away the bad guys.
Tommy Gibbons, who followed his brother Mike Gibbons into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, was elected sheriff of Ramsey County, Minnesota, in 1934 and served six four-year terms. Ramsey County encompassed the city of St. Paul where Gibbons was born to Irish immigrants.
The great Alexis Arguello was the mayor of Managua, Nicaragua, when he took his own life in 2009. His case was different as he was a reluctant office-seeker, a tool of the Sandanistas with whom he became disenchanted. Vitali Klitschko is the mayor of Kiev, the capitol city of the Ukraine, a post he has held since 2014.
There was no hesitation on the part of Manny Pacquiao when he threw his hat into the political ring. The amazing PacMan came up short in his first bid for political office, but went on to win a seat in the Filipino Senate and is now favored at off-shore betting sites to become the president of a nation of 111 million people.
This, needless to say, is a very short list of boxer-politicians. As for Jessie Vargas, wouldn’t it be interesting if his hoped-for career in politics takes flight? Among other things, it would certainly enhance the value of any keepsakes from the Pacquiao-Vargas fight.
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Avila Perspective, Chap. 307: Destination Puerto Rico, Israel Vazquez and More
Avila Perspective, Chap. 307: Destination Puerto Rico, Israel Vazquez and More
Liam Paro the saucy Aussie from Brisbane surprised the world in his last effort. He’s back for more.
Paro (25-0, 15 KOs) defends the IBF super lightweight world title against Brooklyn’s Richardson Hutchins (18-0, 7 KOs) whose arms are as long as his first name. The Matchroom Boxing card will be shown from San Juan, Puerto Rico on DAZN.
The last time Paro fought also took place in Puerto Rico when he upset then-champion Subriel Matias last June. It was like watching Bambi beat up the big bad wolf.
How did he do it?
The southpaw Aussie (pictured on the left) used a persistent attack that emphasized quick punches while pressing forward against the powerful Matias. Leverage was his game and he maintained the pace for 12 rounds to lift the title from the Puerto Rican.
The challenger Hitchins poses a different threat. Though he won a close decision in his last fight against Argentine slugger Gustavo Lemos, the Brooklyn fighter used his length and clinches to nullify the constant attacks.
When Paro and Hitchins meet, both like to clinch on the inside. Its when they fight at arms-length that the battle will be decided.
“Hitchins is mandatory for a reason. He’s worked his way up there, and we know that this isn’t an easy task. We’re at the world level now where every fighter is elite,” said Paro.
For Hitchins the opportunity arrived quickly.
“I respect Liam, because he’s not one of those guys that will mess around,” explained Hitchins. “Liam has never been in the ring with an opponent like me.”
Also on the Matchroom card, lightweight Marc Castro (13-0, 8 KOs) meets Agustin Quintana (20-2-1, 13 KOs); super feather Hector Lebron (19-0, 10 KOs) meets Christopher Diaz-Velez (29-4, 19 KOs); and flyweight Yankiel Rivera (6-0, 2 KOs) fights Angel Gonzalez (14-0, 7 KOs).
Israel Vazquez R.I.P.
In the boxing world, not every champion becomes financially rich. Some like Israel Vazquez become rich in adulation and respect. Few prizefighters were as beloved as Vazquez.
The Mexico City native was perhaps the greatest ambassador of boxing. Wherever he went fans were drawn to his smile and friendliness. Everywhere I encountered Vazquez fans surrounded him like a long-lost cousin.
Sometimes I wondered how this humble human being could be the same beast in the boxing ring that fought epic battles against many of the best fighters of the early 2000s. Vazquez was like a werewolf once he put on those gloves.
Managed by Frank Espinoza and son he quickly developed a fan base in the Southern California area. Nothing came easy for Vazquez though he was trained by legendary Freddie Roach, it seemed Vazquez was always destined to encounter crazy obstacles.
I vividly remember at the Arrowhead Pond, Sycuan Casino, and especially Fantasy Springs when he was there as a spectator and one of the fighters did not appear. Vazquez was there about to eat a hot dog with relish and was asked if he could fight? He put on his trunks and gloves and won the fight.
Who does that?
His battles with Oscar Larios and Rafael Marquez were some of the most brutal yet captivating boxing wars ever seen. I remember his third fight with Larios taking place in Las Vegas. He was a 5 to 1 underdog. It didn’t make sense. Vazquez won by knockout.
I attended three of his four battles with Marquez. The first one took place at the Home Depot Center now called the Dignity Health Sports Park. The two Mexico City super bantams savagely slugged it out. But Vazquez suffered a severe broken nose and could not breathe. The fight was stopped and I remember the HBO announcers criticizing his manhood for not continuing.
Vazquez went on to defeat Marquez twice in subsequent fights that were all captivating wars and emblazoned both their names in history. No other battles could match their ferocity.
Yet, outside of the boxing ring, Vazquez was revered and beloved as the most kind and generous fighter.
The last time I saw Vazquez was at a Hall of Fame luncheon in Commerce, California a year ago. He asked if it was okay to sit next to me. Me a nobody and him a Hall of Fame fighter. I was invited by Nancy Rodriguez, another wonderful human being and a boxing official, to attend the luncheon. I always feel tongue-tied sitting next to greatness. It was the last time I spoke to Vazquez.
The fighter known as “El Magnifico” fought for the last time in 2010 at Staples Center. His eye was badly cut and his manager Frank Espinoza retired the revered champion. Three years later, I ran into Vazquez at a boxing card in Cancun, Mexico. I couldn’t find my transportation and there was El Magnifico about to enter a taxi cab with six other people. He spotted me and said to join them in the cab. But there was not enough room. He offered his spot in the cab. I told him “no thank you, those are your friends but thanks for the kind offer.”
That was Israel Vazquez. One of the best human beings I ever met.
Top Rank in Arizona
Two world title fights headline a Top Rank card in Phoenix on Saturday, Dec. 7. ESPN will show the pivotal matches.
WBO featherweight titlist Rafael Espinoza (25-0 21 KOs) defends against Cuba’s Robeisy Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs) whom he wrested the title from a year ago.
“I’ve always wanted a rematch. because it was a war where we both gave everything. So, he deserved it, I deserved it, and the people deserved it,” said Espinoza.
Mexico’s Espinoza has a long reach and power that kept Ramirez off-balance when they fought in 2023. It should be a very interesting rematch.
Another rematch pits Oscar Valdez (32-2,24 KOs) against WBO super featherweight titlist Emanuel Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) who defeated him when they met in August 2023. Their first encounter was brutal.
“It’s going be difficult for both me and Valdez. However, we don’t need much. All we need is for the bell to ring for us to go to war,” said Navarrete.
Fights to Watch
Sat. DAZN 4 p.m. Liam Paro (25-0) vs Richardson Hitchins (18-0).
Sat. ESPN 7:30 p.m. Emanuel Navarrete (38-2-1) vs Oscar Valdez (32-2); Rafael Espinoza (25-0) vs Robeisy Ramirez (14-2).
Photo credit: Melina Pizano / Matchroom
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The IBHOF Unveils its Newest Inductees: Manny Pacquiao is the Icing on the Cake
The IBHOF Unveils its Newest Inductees: Manny Pacquiao is the Icing on the Cake
PRESS RELEASE — CANASTOTA, NY – DECEMBER 5, 2024 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum is thrilled to announce the newest class of inductees to be honored during the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend June 5-8, 2025 in “Boxing’s Hometown” Canastota, NY.
The Class of 2025 includes Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao, “The Pazmanian Devil” Vinny Paz and Michael “Second To” Nunn in the Men’s Modern category; Yessica “Kika” Chavez, Anne Sophie Mathis and Mary Jo Sanders in the Women’s Modern category; Cathy “Cat” Davis in the Women’s Trailblazer category; referee Kenny Bayless, cut man Al Gavin (posthumous) and referee Harry Gibbs (posthumous) in the Non-Participant category; broadcaster / journalist Randy Gordon and television producer Ross Greenburg in the Observer category; Rodrigo Valdez (posthumous) in the Old Timer category and Owen Swift (posthumous) in the Pioneer category.
Inductees were voted in by members of the Boxing Writers Association of America and a panel of international boxing historians.
“We’re extremely excited about the Class of 2025 and are very much looking forward to honoring the newest class of inductees to earn boxing’s highest honor,” said Executive Director Edward Brophy.
The 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend is scheduled for June 5-8th in “Boxing’s Hometown.” Many events will take place in Canastota and nearby Turning Stone Resort Casino throughout the four-day celebration including ringside talks, fist casting, fight night, 5K race / fun run, boxing autograph card show, banquet, parade and induction ceremony.
For more information on the 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, please call (315) 697-7095.
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Navarrete-Valdez and Espinoza-Ramirez Rematches Headline Phoenix Fight Fiesta
The annals of boxing abound with iconic rematches, and there’s a good chance that list will get longer after this Saturday in Phoenix’s Footprint Center with Top Rank’s ESPN card featuring Emanuel Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) versus Oscar Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs) and Rafael Espinoza (25-0, 21 KOs, against Robeisy Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs).
Valdez’s ties to the local area and multiple Arizona appearances give his bout against Navarrete top billing, but WBO featherweight titlist Espinoza’s initial encounter with Ramirez was the better bout the first time around, deemed Fight and Upset of the Year by many observers.
That’s not to say Navarrete-Valdez 1 didn’t hold plenty of drama as Navarrete captured the WBO junior lightweight belt with a relatively widespread unanimous decision. Valdez got himself into an immediate bind in the first fight by walking into Navarrete’s jab, enabling Navarrete to score early with looping right leads from his six-inch reach advantage. Valdez’s corner implored him to stay patient but it seemed there was no avoiding a firefight that played into Navarette’s always busy hands.
By round 3 Valdez’s face was heavily marked and often on the defensive, waiting to establish an offense that never fully arrived. Though he scored with some big shots down the stretch, his swollen right eye closed by the 9th frame and the eventual outcome seemed obvious.
“I know there’s a lot of pride at stake in a Mexico versus Mexico battle,” said Navarrete. “I believe this will be an even better fight than before because we’re familiar with each other. I know I have to push Valdez to his limits.”
“I made mistakes the first time, the biggest one was trying to knock him out,” reflected Valdez. “I still have a few fights left in me, not everyone gets a second chance. I know what I needed to train for (this time) and I’ll make the most of it.”
Offense was never a problem for either Espinoza or Ramirez, who traded knockdowns in a give-and-take affair that might have gone either way. It was the gloved-up version of mongoose versus cobra as two time Olympic gold medalist Ramirez charged in behind blurring punches up the middle while the much taller Espinoza fired shoulder level combinations. In this case, it was the underdog cobra who triumphed.
Three days from first bell an unofficial consensus of online odds listed the previous winners as favorites, Espinoza by a hair and Navarrete by a solid margin. While the initial winners may still have an edge, that all disappears after the bell, and previous action indicates a pair of pick-em contests isn’t unlikely.
Boxing history is also full of tie-breaking trilogies, too. It wouldn’t be a big surprise if that’s what we’re looking at again in both these cases.
Adding to the electric atmosphere in Phoenix are a solid batch of undercard extras featuring multiple first-rate performers that should get the audience more than ready for the night’s headliners.
Top Rank junior welterweight prospect Lindolfo Delgado, 21-0 (15) from Nuevo Leon, meets skilled Dominican Jackson Marinez, 22-3 (10) in a contest that could qualify as main event worthy in many locales.
Undefeated southpaw heavyweight Richard Torrez, Jr, who earned the silver medal in that division for the USA at the 2020 Olympics faces off against Mexican big boy Issac Munoz Gutierrez, 18-1-1 (15) who reportedly packs a respectable wallop. None of Torrez’s pro opponents have made it to the final bell.
San Diego’s highly ranked welterweight title challenger Giovani Santillan, 31-1 (17) faces Fredrick Lawson of Ghana, 30-5 (22). Lawson has dropped his last two outings but that was against good opposition and he won’t be an easy test.
21 year-old DJ Zamora, a hot prospect at 13-0 (9) from Las Vegas meets experienced Roman Reynoso, 22-5-2 (10), from Argentina and emerging new stablemate Albert “Chop Chop” Gonzalez, 11-0 (7), who recently signed a long term Top Rank contract faces Gerardo Antonio Perez, 12-6-1 (3).
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