In an electrifying match at the Adventist Health Arena in Stockton, Fernando Vargas Jr., the rising junior middleweight star, fortified his undefeated record with a dominant performance against Brad Solomon, securing his 13th knockout victory on March 16. Vargas Jr.'s triumph over Solomon in the fourth round elevated his professional record to an impressive 14-0, underscoring his potent presence in the boxing world.
From the outset, Vargas Jr., a Las Vegas resident and southpaw, took control of the fight, showcasing his aggressive style by cornering Solomon and delivering punishing blows. His offensive strategy paid dividends in the fourth round when a barrage of punches led Solomon to take a knee. The situation swiftly culminated in Solomon's corner conceding the match by throwing in the towel, prompting referee Rudy Barragan to halt the bout at the 1:32 mark.
The victory was not only a testament to Vargas Jr.'s skill and determination but also a reflection of the boxing legacy he carries. As the oldest son of Fernando Vargas, a former two-time world junior middleweight champion and 1996 Olympic athlete, Vargas Jr. has boxing excellence in his blood. His father, expressing pride in his son's performance, highlighted the precision and strategy that led to the victory. "I’m very happy with his growth as a fighter and how he listened to my instructions," Vargas Sr. shared with The Star. "We worked on that in training camp. I’m excited about the future of all my sons."
The match against Solomon, a veteran fighter from Douglasville, Georgia, with a now 29-7 record, was a pivotal moment for Vargas Jr. as he continues to build his career in the footsteps of his renowned father. Solomon, aged 40, facing his fourth consecutive loss, encountered the formidable challenge of Vargas Jr.'s youthful vigor and tactical prowess.
In other fight news from the same night, Jorge Villegas, an Oxnard resident and featherweight contender, faced defeat by knockout against Vic Pasillas in Redwood City. This loss marks Villegas' third in his last four fights, adjusting his record to 14-3. Pasillas' victory over Villegas marks a significant comeback for the now 17-1 fighter, following a knockout loss in 2021.
As Fernando Vargas Jr. ascends the ranks with each victory, the boxing community watches eagerly to see how far this promising athlete will go. With a legacy to uphold and a relentless drive to succeed, Vargas Jr. is swiftly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the junior middleweight division.
