Rey Vargas vs. Franklin Manzanilla - February 9, 2019

[Ruthless-RKO]

Two world title fights will head to the Coachella Valley in February as Golden Boy Promotions presents another exciting night of boxing on DAZN. In the main event, Alberto "Explosivo" Machado (21-0, 17 KOs) will defend his WBA Super Featherweight World Title against Andrew "El Chango" Cancio (19-4-2, 14 KOs) in a 12-round clash. In the co-main event, Rey Vargas (32-0, 22 KOs) will put his WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship on the line against Franklin Manzanilla (18-4, 17 KOs) in a 12-round battle. The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. and will be streamed live on DAZN.

"Golden Boy Promotions has promised to bring exciting fights every month on DAZN," said Oscar De La Hoya, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions. "We're keeping our promise by bringing two world title fights featuring a world champion from Puerto Rico in Alberto Machado and one from Mexico in Rey Vargas. The best talent from these two countries, which have a rich history in the sport of boxing, will be on display for fans to watch at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino or from home on DAZN."

Rey Vargas will defend his 122-pound title against Franklin Manzanilla in the 12-round co-main event. Vargas is a 28-year-old world champion who brings a considerable height and reach advantage to every fight, which he has used to defend his titles against the likes of Ronny Rios, Oscar "El Jaguar" Negrete and Azat "Crazy A" Hovhannisyan.

"Franklin Manzanilla is a complete fighter," said Rey Vargas. "He's tough and goes forward, but he also knows how to box. He's a strong fighter, and he showed that by defeating Julio Ceja in four rounds to earn the right to fight for a world title. Manzanilla also hits hard. I've seen this, and his record indicates that as well. However, I also believe he has some deficiencies in his defense, and that's what we're going to try to take advantage of in this fight. Lastly, I invite all the people to watch this fight because it's going to be a war, and God willing I will walk away with my hand raised high."

Manzanilla is a 30-year-old native of Caracas, Venezuela who will fight in the United States for the first time. Manzanilla is coming off a victory against Julio Ceja for the WBC Silver Super Bantamweight Title, earning him a shot at Vargas in February.

"I'm training very hard to be well prepared," said Franklin Manznilla. "However, we still haven't even begun the hard stages of preparation that will have us in excellent condition to give everything in the ring. Rey Vargas is a great fighter who is always well prepared for his fights. He throws a lot of punches, which means we have to be double prepared for this bout. It's going to be a great fight, and I invite everyone to watch it because they will witness a great upset and will get to know Franklin Manzanilla, a fighter who is preparing physically and mentally to become the new world champion."

"Rey Vargas is the best super bantamweight in the world," said Oswaldo Kuchle, President of Promociones del Pueblo. "He will put on a great show on Feb. 9 with his excellent boxing skills. Without a doubt, I think it will be a great and explosive fight that will delight fans in the arena."

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

Anyone watching this on DAZN? Or is everyone tuning into Showtime?

[Ruthless-RKO]

By Francisco Salazar

INDIO - In a foul-filled bout, junior featherweight Rey Vargas won by unanimous decision over Franklin Manzanilla of Venezuela.

Vargas, who successfully defended his WBC title for the fourth time, was dropped by a left hook to the head in round two. Vargas was not visibly hurt from the punch, getting up and finishing the round.

It took Vargas a round or so to find a rhythm, but once he did, he was able to outland several combinations to the head of Manzanilla. A left hook to the head momentarily wobbled Manzailla in round four, but he was not able to follow up.

As the bout progressed, Manzanilla increased his aggression, learning to several clenches between the two fighters. Referee Raul Caiz, Sr. deducted a point from Manzailla in round seven for hitting behind the head and again in round eight, this time for throwing and landing a punch at the break.

Sensing he was down in the fight, Manzanilla closed the distance, recklessly attacking Vargas and inadvertently butting him in the head, opening up a cut along his right eye.

Vargas again established the jab during the last two rounds, following them up with several right hands to the head of Manzanilla.

All three judges scored the bout 117-108 for Vargas, who improves to 33-0, 22 KOs.

[Cent0089]

Is this Rey Vargas any good? Him vs Navarette can be big fight at Cinco de Mayo. 122 lbs division is somewhat empty now

[jujigatame]

Is this Rey Vargas any good? Him vs Navarette can be big fight at Cinco de Mayo. 122 lbs division is somewhat empty now

Vargas is skilled (maybe the best at 122 right now) but seems either physically or mentally weak. Not only did Manzanilla drop him pretty hard, but Vargas kept complaining to the ref about Manzanilla's roughhouse tactics, even though he bore responsibility for at least some of it. I can't tell you how many times he ended up turning his back after an awkward clinch inside.

[oogiebe]

Is this Rey Vargas any good? Him vs Navarette can be big fight at Cinco de Mayo. 122 lbs division is somewhat empty now

Navarette would make Vargas quit. Vargas didn't appear to want to mix it up vs Manzanilla and Naverette would beat him into submission.

[jujigatame]

If he's serious about unification, Daniel Roman would be a great fight.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Navarette is a big bastârd

[handsofstone]

If he's serious about unification, Daniel Roman would be a great fight.

Roman got a unification with Doheny next up mate

I rate Vargas, i think he needs a step up to see the best of him and earn his kudos, a bit like the Ramirez's, Jose and Gilberto who i also rate quite highly despite not having standout wins yet, Callum Smith was the same

[jamamb]

not too impressed tbh, down this fight and struggled the one before even though opp wasnt that tough , hes a sloppy fighter whose fast hands move faster then his brains a lot of the time, a bit like khan

roman would beat him