Im not so sure. Vargas was very competative against Tito, then DLH (can scarp that one due to roids though). . . but he was very competative with Shane in first match. The second fight was a big drop off.
In a way, also like Meldrick Taylor. Both Vargas and Taylor lost unification fights to more experienced champs in fights in which they could have been more conservative (I think Tito would've won regardless though) instead of brawl-happy. They both won titles later on, but weren't quite the same. While I don't think Chavez and Trinidad ALONE ruined them, they were the main fights that did the most damage. Both of them in general took a lot of shots so I wonder about the longevity they would've had anyway.
no doubt.. that fight he had with "ike quartey" was a pure example of his boxing abilities back then..
a great mix of powderpuff fighter with a tough defence and an aggresive fighter hwo is easier to hit. tought fight but very enjoyable