Uppercut Magazine.com - Josesito vs. Jessie

By David A. Avila

Hidden among numerous talented junior welterweights Josesito Lopez practices his craft with little fanfare or recognition on a daily basis. In the heat or cold he’s kind of like the mailman he always delivers.

So why is it that only boxing’s inner circle knows about him?

Riverside’s Lopez (29-3, 17 KOs) expects to change his status from anonymous contender to world title challenger when he faces undefeated Las Vegas prizefighter Jessie Vargas (16-0, 9 KOs) in Las Vegas on Sept. 17, at the MGM Grand. Their fight is part of the impressive HBO pay-per-view card lineup that also features Floyd Mayweather versus Victor “Vicious” Ortiz.

“We’ve done a lot of pay-per-views and this one is stacked,” said HBO’s Tony Walker who heads the pay-per-view department.

Many predict Lopez and Vargas to be the most competitive fight of the night.

“We’re going to open the pay-per-view show,” said Lopez, 27.

The graduate of Rubidoux High has never been the eye-opening prizefighter with loads of speed and power. Instead one could say Lopez has been a true student of the sport who has slowly built up his technique and knowledge during his eight years as a professional.

All of Lopez’s three losses were debatable and happened in his opponent’s haunts. Vargas fights out of Las Vegas and is a hometown hero of sorts who trains at Mayweather’s gym. In fact, he has a contract under Mayweather Promotions.

“Jose is a good fighter and is experienced but I’m going to beat him,” said Vargas, who strongly resembles Lopez in physique and facially when standing side-by-side.

“But I’m better looking,” kids Lopez.

Henry Ramirez, who trains Lopez, said he often hears comments regarding their uncanny resemblance.

“I hear that all of the time,” Ramirez said. “They do look alike and fight alike.”

Both Lopez and Vargas are lean and tall and are willing participants to mean exchanges in the ring regardless of the competition.

“He likes to come forward and I like to come forward,” says Lopez whose last win was by knockout in handing Mike Dallas Jr. his first professional loss. “I’m expecting a very, very hard fight. We’ll both have to go through some tough moments.”

Former Golden Boy trainer

Vargas, 22, has fought professionally since Sept. 2008 and fought his second pro fight at the Pechanga Resort and Casino. It was a rather strange fight and made even stranger when his opponent Trenton Titsworth planted a kiss on his cheek during a clinch. It angered Vargas who was sparked to try and knock out the kissing bandit. He had to settle for a win by decision.

“Yeah, I remember that,” said Vargas chuckling.

Nobody laughs at Vargas now. The Mayweather protégé was formerly trained by Roger Mayweather who was forced to step back due to ill health. Now Vargas is trained by Oscar “Golden Boy” De La Hoya’s first pro trainer Roberto Alcazar.

“Jose Lopez is a good experienced fighter, but Jessie Vargas is an excellent fighter,” said Alcazar who also trained the late Edwin Valero. Before the Venezuelan southpaw died a year ago, he sparred numerous rounds with Riverside’s Lopez.

On one particular day the feared knockout artist Valero punched out four consecutive sparring partners within minutes. The only fighter who could last the day was the lanky Riverside prizefighter Lopez.

“With Valero you had to be smarter. I had to be the veteran fighter making the decisions at the right time,” said Lopez, adding that one mistake could result in becoming another Valero knockout victim. “Valero taught me I could hang in there and beat a lot of these top 140 pound fighters.”

More incentive has recently been added to the fire as Vargas has begun entertaining thoughts of fighting current WBA junior welterweight titleholder Amir Khan.

“It goes to show how inexperienced he is,” Lopez said of the Vargas comments. “It adds a little more fire underneath me that’s all.”

One thing is certain Lopez and Vargas will not bore fans to tears.

“I really don’t see this kid beating me,” Lopez said. “I can’t leave it up to the judges. I’ve got to win decisively.”

Fights on television

Fri. Telefutura, 11:30 p.m., Eloy Perez (21-0-2) vs. Daniel Jimenez (20-3-1).

Sat. Fox, 8 p.m., Omar Chavez (26-0-1) vs. Alberto Martinez (15-1).

Sat. HBO, 10:45 p.m., Jan Zaveck (31-1) vs. Andre Berto (27-1).