FERNANDO’S CONFIDENCE IS MUCH HIGHER”:  Head trainer Danny Smith can’t help but get excited when talking about Fernando Vargas’ progress in training camp:  “Fernando’s confidence is much higher than it was prior to the last two fights.  He’s made some adjustments to his training and to his approach.  He’s become ‘Old School’.  He doesn’t [even] run on the treadmill any longer.  He’s gone back to outdoor workouts” . . . Vargas (26-2, 22 KO’s) selected Ojai, CA to train for the Feb 25 “Showdown” against Shane Mosley because of the town’s hilly, isolated geography.  Jack Dempsey and Rocky Marciano reportedly used it as a training facility as well . . . El Feroz’s sparring sessions have provided Smith with exactly what he’s been looking for from his fighter:  “He [Fernando] hasn’t taken a backwards step in sparring.  No boxing—just fighting.  His hands are higher; he’s cutting the ring off; and he’s constantly pressing and letting his hands go” . . . Smith anticipates that Vargas will have sparred about 100 rounds by fight week  . . .

 

“MY INTENSITY IS HIGHER FOR THIS FIGHT”:    Three-time world champion Shane Mosley (41-4, 35 KO’s) has been in his Big Bear training camp for a month now, and he couldn’t be happier with the progress:  “I am mentally prepared for this fight.  My work ethic is better, and my intensity is higher than it has been in the past.  This is a big fight, and I want to use this fight and the ones after it to make a statement that I am the best fighter in the world” . . . Mosley believes his speed and his combination punching give him an advantage over Vargas, and he also believes the two fighters’ heights is important:  “I was surprised when Vargas and I faced-off that we were the same size.  I thought he was taller.  Usually the guys I fight are taller than me.  The fact that we’re the same height might be a factor in the fight” . . . Getting in shape wasn’t a problem for Mosley as he arrived in training camp weighing 159-160 lbs . . .  Does he notice any technical similarities between Vargas and Oscar de la Hoya:  “No, not really.  Oscar is sharper, faster, and taller.  Vargas might have more strength” . . .

On Saturday, February 25, “Ferocious” Fernando Vargas and “Sugar” Shane Mosley will finally clash in a highly anticipated 12-round junior middleweight showdown at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Vargas vs. Mosley – “Showdown” is presented by Main Events and Golden Boy Promotions and will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. PST.