By Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation
New Jersey State representative
July 26, 2003

Fernando Vargas, now 23-2-0 (21 KO's), totally dominated the WBC #1 ranked contender Fitz Vanderpool enroute to a 6 round TKO victory in the main event of HBO's highly successful "Boxing After Dark" series. Vanderpool, from Trinidad, entered the ring in a red dinner jacket and wound up being the "main course" for Vargas. The proverbial "hand picked opponent", Vanderpool offered little resistance and was never a threat as he appeared bewildered and outclassed from the opening bell.

Since his disappointing loss to Oscar De La Hoya last September, Vargas has served a 9-month suspension and paid a $100,000.00 fine as a direct result of his testing positive for steroids (De La Hoya post-fight medical exam). This led to Fernando's "cleaning house" of Team Vargas. With highly regarded trainer Buddy McGirt now in his corner and fighting in front of a packed house at the legendary Grand Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, Vargas was determined to give "his people, his fans" what they wanted. The former two-time Jr. Middleweight World Champion didn't let them down.

While appearing "rusty" in the first two rounds Vargas did establish control and was easily dictating the fight. Vanderpool was overly cautious, very nervous and was already in survival mode. Round 3 saw Vargas getting into his groove and landing power shots, while Vanderpool was resigned to throwing wild, non-effective punches. Vargas had the crowd going wild in round 4 as "Ferocious" attacked with strong right hand shots to the body and head which forced Vanderpool to seek refuge in the corner and then hold on. While all but out on his feet in round 5 Vanderpool did manage to land his jab and several right hands. While never in any danger Vargas and his Main Event's team couldn't have been too happy with this lack of concentration and may wonder what's in store when Fernando does face a more formidable foe.

A determined Vargas started round 6 in championship style and hurt Vanderpool early. Fernando was relentless and landed numerous power shots which left Vanderpool hurting and defenseless in the corner forcing referee Marty Denkins to stop the bout at 2:36 of the round. Vanderpool, while game was truly out of his league, and saw his record fall to 24-5-4 with only 13 KO's. Fernando Vargas looks to eventually get his revenge - a rematch with Champion Oscar De La Hoya.

The HBO televised undercard fight saw one of the best pound-for-pound fighters, IBF Jr. Featherweight Champion Manny Pacquiao annihilate previously undefeated Manuel Lucero with a 3rd round TKO victory. Pacquiao, originally from the Philippines and now training at Freddie Roach's Wild Card Gym, improved to 37-2-1 (28KO's) while Lucero's record now stands at 21-1-1 with 12 KO's. The fight began with the Mexican-born Lucero throwing body shots and trying to bring the fight to Pacquiao. Fighting Pacquiao's fight, Lucero quickly learned that this approach would be devastating as Pacquiao started landing heavy shots to the head of Lucero.

In round 2 Pacquiao's strength and power forced Lucero to become very defensive. Pacquiao punished Lucero with tremendous bodywork and hurt him with a multitude of headshots. Early in round 3 Pacquiao's punches were landing. A pulverizing left hand to Lucero's chin left him senseless and literally knocked out while still on his feet. The alert referee, Jose Cobian, quickly jumped in and stopped the fight saving Lucero any further damage at :48 of the round. The dangerous Pacquiao now says he is ready to challenge Featherweight Champion Marco Antonio Barrera or former Champion Paulie Ayala.