LAS VEGAS: Emiliano Fernando Vargas finished Brandon Mendoza in two rounds Thursday at a Top Rank show at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
When ProBox TV has seen him compete in the past, he looked like he was game for a ruck even if it came at the cost of defense.
But, this week, Vargas — who is trained by his famous father Fernando Vargas — showed sharp upper body movement to avoid his opponent's better shots, boxed in fluid fashion, and landed knockdown after knockdown to score one of his most impressive wins to date.
So impressive was Vargas that he looked like one of boxing's most improved fighters of the year, advancing his pro record to 7-0-0 (6 KOs).
Vargas scored with flurries, floored Mendez early in the opener, and clattered him in the second with similar shots — a one-two, before a thudding right to the temple that sent him down.
The referee Harvey Dock waved the bout off shortly after Mendez had hit the deck. It was all over.
Salute to El General 🫡 @EmilianoFVargas pic.twitter.com/rc5svnsDiS
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) November 17, 2023
"I felt good in there; getting a TKO on front of my hometown family and fans," Vargas said in a post-fight statement sent to ProBox TV.
"My goal is to be one of the top prospects and continue to put on impressive performances," the 19-year-old added. "Looking for a step up competition in 2024."
Vargas fought on the undercard for the Shakur Stevenson headliner involving Edwin de los Santos.
Emmanuel Navarrete fought in the co-main, against Robson Conceicao.
The event was broadcast on ESPN+.
