Fernando Vargas vs. Sergio Martinez @ 154

Vargas had major problems against speed. Go rewatch the DLH fight the handspeed difference is so remarkabke, DLH rattles off 3-4 punch combos with ease. Vargas's grit and toughness keep him in that fight. Vargas was outspeeded by Trinidad's jab, consistently being beaten to the punch and Tito isnt known for his speed.

I'm a huge Vargas fan but his best wins were from outhustling high workrate firefights, Quartey, Wright and Trinidad (even though he lost). Vargas couldn't maintain his patient accurate boxer/puncher mode like vs Campus against the toughest of competition. He might showcase that style for a round or 2 but then he slips into rough forward pressuring (look at round 10 vs Trinidad , Vargas goes toe to toe literally). However, Vargas was extremely durable at 154 prior to the Tito fight.

I think Sergio has the favourable style match-up here. It will be a tough fight but Sergio showed phenomenal output and chin vs Williams. People forget what a killer Williams was before their first fight, he was mowing down everyone but Sergio played his game and was basically even, before shining and looking incredible in the 2nd fight. Sergio can fight his preferred fight here, Vargas will be forced to come forward but Sergio can match his output. Vargas was basically even with Wright and Quartey and pulled those fights out with by throwing huge amounts leather in the 2nd half of fights, he had to physically take over those fights and take it away from his opponents solely on stamina.I think Sergio is able to land his jab at will and Vargas power punch his double left hook doesnt find much of the lefty Sergio. Sergio clear UD somewhere in the 8-4 range.