Fernando Vargas was no stranger to competing in boxing’s biggest fights as he shared the ring with a number of high-profile operators.
A stellar amateur who competed in the 1996 Olympics, Vargas was fast-tracked as a professional fighter, and he became world champion in just his 15th fight when he defeated Yori Boy Campas.
Further huge outings against the likes of Felix Trinidad and Oscar De La Hoya were memorable occasions despite Vargas falling short, but who was the biggest puncher he faced?
The Californian faced the power of many big hitters, but he credits Trinidad as being the fighter who hit him the hardest.
“Trinidad, but now I know why. I didn’t even know I got knocked out. I was never down in the amateurs or pros, and I went down five times, and I don’t remember half the fight,” said Vargas when speaking to The Ring in 2018.
“I felt like I was getting hit by a bat. It was like an explosion in my head. I couldn’t believe it. You can see by my expression in the first knockdown. I know I’d have lasted longer in the game if I didn’t take that fight. It’s a risk – I take the good with the bad.”
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