Vargas promises to shut up critics

MANILA, Philippines - WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas has promised to silence critics who said he doesn’t deserve a shot at Manny Pacquiao.

Speaking recently to boxingscene.com, the 27-year-old Vargas said he is elated for getting the chance to show his caliber against Pacquiao when they tangle on Nov. 5 in Las Vegas.

The bout serves as the Filipino icon’s comeback fight.

“I am going to show that I am the best in the welterweight division, and who better to show it against than Manny Pacquiao? I am not just all talk. I am going to show it with my punches, and you will see it on November 5th. Tune in and see it,” he told boxingscene.com’s Ryan Burton.

He also guaranteed fireworks in his bout against Pacquiao, saying he plans to go toe-to-toe with the Filipino champion.

“On Nov. 5th you will see an action-packed fight and you will get your money’s worth. I promise you that I will give it my all and show how much of a warrior I am. I don’t back down and take no back steps,” Vargas continued.

Vargas’ selection as Pacquiao’s next opponent has raised eyebrows in the boxing community, with critics preferring Pacquiao to take on younger, more dangerous fighters such as rising star Terence Crawford.

With a record of 27-1, with only 10 KOs, Vargas is deemed as a safer choice for Pacquiao, who last saw action in April – dominating Timothy Bradley.

Bradley, interestingly, is the same fighter who last year handed Vargas his lone setback. Pacquiao, of course, has bested Bradley in their trilogy.