This weekend at the Stubhub Center, Carson, we have another fight on our hands that is dividing opinion. Broner vs Porter may have failed to live up to expectations, but Bradley vs Vargas should satisfy fight fans’ thirst. Are you favoring the more experienced, tried-and-tested Bradley (31-1-1, 12 KO), or the up-coming, hungry Vargas (26-0, 9 KO)? Let’s hear some predictions from Boxing Base and a few other fellow boxing writers (who we thank for sharing their insights!).
Bradley vs Vargas: Predictions
Bradley via close Unanimous Decision
Like Broner vs Porter last weened, this is another pick’ em fight – though I think this match-up will be a lot more eventful given both men are highly motivated characters. Bradley and Vargas are well respected and will prove more than a handful for each other, I’m sure. Despite Bradley being capable of putting on a boxing masterclass – like that against Juan Manuel Marquez – I think he will get dragged into a dog fight. Again. Vargas will prefer this style of fight, and if Bradley isn’t careful he could find himself hitting the deck or losing a close decision. Even if Bradley gets hurt, or is even dropped, I would still favor him to edge this fight since Vargas isn’t a great finisher. Bradley’s iron-will and abundance of skill will be enough to help him rally back if necessary. Despite some sticky patches, I see Bradley doing enough to earn a close Unanimous Decision.
Ian Hedges – Editor-In-Chief/Founder, BoxingBase.com
Vargas via Split Decision
Vargas may not have shared the ring with the same level of opposition as Bradley, but he’s unbeaten nonetheless. And that makes him dangerous. Vargas is a solid fighter with a fine array of tools which have made him very popular. He’s climbing the ranks and will be looking to keep that shining record unblemished. Really hard fight to call, and I have to agree with Ian that it’s going to be real close on the cards whether that’s Unanimous, Split or even Majority. You may as well flip a coin here. Both men are capable of putting in the goods, but it just depends on who the better man is on the night. I’m not comfortable with this pick, but my gut says Vargas via Split Decision. It will be a huge night for him, and I think he will put in a smart, strategic and aggressive performance.
Mark Phillips – Head Staff Writer/Assistant Editor, BoxingBase.com
Bradley via close Unanimous Decision
Jessie Vargas is a solid fighter and has a strong following. Timothy Bradley, although a great person, always comes in shape and has never ducked anyone, seems to not get the credit he deserves in boxing. I am not sure why. He is the most under-rated fighter pound for pound. Bradley does have boxing skill, but he is easily coaxed into a brawl and that is exactly what Vargas will want to do. The thing about Jessie is that he fights in spurts…not like some fighters but more along the lines of fighting hard one round and taking another off, but he seems to do it a lot during a fight.
Over the years he has been awarded several wins when it could have gone the other way. I think Vargas will try to over-power Bradley and get Timothy into a Brawl. The thing is, Bradley does OK in that type of fight, even though he does have the skill to out box Jessie. In the end, I think we will see a VERY entertaining fight and I also think one or both of these guys will hit the canvas, but the fight will go to the scorecards with Bradley winning a close, but unanimous decision. Bradley by UD.
Billy C from the Talkin Boxing with Billy C TV & Radio Program and BillyCBoxing.com
Bradley via Unanimous Decision
This is actually one of the more intriguing fights of the first half of 2015 for a few reasons, but I think it will wind up being a rather one-sided affair.
For starters, this is one of those great matchups where we have a terrific, elite-level world champion in Bradley taking on the young, hungry contender in Vargas. It’s experience versus youth, wisdom against spirit, older fighter needing to stay relevant while the young guy is in the biggest test of his life, etc.
Looking at everything, however, Bradley wins it going away. That’s not to say Vargas is overrated or anything of the sort, but Bradley is better in every element of the battle. Vargas switched up trainers early on in camp, this after switching to Roy Jones not too long ago in an effort to change his style. It seems like Vargas is stuck in an identity crisis and he doesn’t know who he really is or wants to be. He didn’t look so hot in his last bout and I think he’s headed down the wrong path. I’m not sure if it’s bad advice or if he’s trying to be something he’s not, but Vargas has become a brawler and that is not who he truly is. He lacks the power to be a brawler and he’s about to fight one of the toughest bulldogs in the game.
It’s true that Bradley doesn’t have much pop, either, but he’s ruthless and nasty and he never quits. Bradley puts his punches together far better than Vargas does and throws better punches. He’s been on the big stage against elite opposition a few times already so he won’t buckle under the bright lights.
Mike Sloan – Sherdog.com
Bradley via Unanimous Decision
This weekend’s bout between Timothy Bradley and Jessie Vargas is a bout that looks almost certain to deliver a lot of action with both fighters proving to be resilient and high energy guys. The fact neither has real power will add to the action, even if the drama of a potential knockout is almost non-existent. Sadly for Vargas his unbeaten record has flattered him and numerous debatable wins suggests he’s been very lucky. Against a fighter like Bradley luck doesn’t help. I suspect “The Desert Storm” will simply out work, and brawl and out battle a brave but out gunned Vargas. This could well be the fight of the weekend, but I struggle to see how Vargas can possibly come out on top.
Scott Graveson (Co-founder www.asianboxing.info)
Bradley vs Vargas: Fight Poll
The final results of BoxingBase.com’s poll – which is now closed – are as follows:
Bradley via Decision – 35%
Bradley via KO/TKO – 4%
Vargas via Decision – 40%
Vargas via KO/TKO – 20%
Draw – 1%
Bradley vs Vargas: Prediction Result
A tally of 4-1 reveals that Bradley is the predicted victor of this Welterweight encounter. However, our fight poll results reveal a 60% swing for Vargas’ hand being raised, and most likely via decision (40%).
If you’d like to weigh in with your own take on the fight, let us know in the comments, fight fans!
The BoxingBase.com writing staff provide worldwide boxing news, coverage and analysis – they can be contacted via email and social media.
