Fernando Vargas: World Champion, Olympian, Father

Fernando Javier Vargas is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1997 to 2007. He was a two-time light middleweight world champion, having held the IBF title from 1998 to 2000, and the WBA title from 2001 to 2002. Today we talk about boxing and his life.
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[@Supahmusic_]

Back in 2002 or so. My uncle was killed. And at the time my uncles friend was Fernando’s manager. And the manager was at my uncles after funeral family gathering. He was walking by all of us nephews and nieces. I asked the man “ay, your Fernando’s manager?” As he was walking to the restroom. My uncle was a huge boxing fan. Fernando was his, and my favorite fighter. I was 11 or 12. The manager was walking to the restroom. When he came out he was on his cell phone, and passed me the phone. It was Fernando Vargas. “El Feroz” he gave me his condolences. I was only a child. And he’ll always be my favorite fighter. The first fighter I was ever excited to see and root for. 💯 and when Mikey was fighting it was amazing to realize the connection. Juggernauts in boxing especially for Mexican Americans 🇲🇽 🇺🇸

[@valentingomez2193]

Deep story brutha. Much love.

[@jasonhoyt8232]

Im 48 years old. I remember watching Fernando in his prime. He was the true definition of Warrior: he was willing to literally die in the ring rather than quit. I always admired that about him. I wish he would not have fought Tito so early in his career. I think it fundamentally damaged him; although he went on to fight at very high levels afterwards, I think would have had even more success if he would have fought Tito a year or two later than he did. I'm glad he is doing well. Although his speech is a bit slow, it appears that he has his full faculties. That is amazing considering the punishment he took. What a true Warriir!

[@petierican6079]

It was his promoters the duvas his handlers should have not let it happen but what ever money they were offering looked great to them because he steps in the ring not them..I'm 58 and I've followed his whole career when he beat yory boy campas he put it on him great full of heart champion one of my favorites and I'm Puertorican 🇵🇷💯 🇲🇽 two top notch fighting ass country's

[@deviouslito5011]

@@petierican6079 much love brother

[@petierican6079]

@@deviouslito5011 💯💪💯

[@peacethroughstrength172]

Great post. Thing about these guys born in the 70s and prior, cut from a different cloth than those of today and thats a painful but obvious fact. FV wanted to fight every and anybody in his early 20s. I think Hearns and Leonard were that age also when they fought, along with many other past legends of the sport

[@peacethroughstrength172]

And lets be real, and I liked Tito BUT he was a sniper, precise and accurate. When FV turned the tables on him in rd 4 I think what did Tito do? Yep and that dude hit like a mule, the effects of those 2 low uppercuts were brutal.

[@GODWITHUS0712]

I'm going to tell you one thing Fernando Vargas is much more blessed in his personal life then Oscar De la Hoya

[@miguelnajera2531]

Amen 🙏🏾 on that

[@shapursasan9019]

This interview is going to be a classic for years to come!

[@rickmosis]

I ran into Fernando 4 years ago at staple center for the Leo Santa Cruz fight you gave me the time and took a flicka with me, besides respecting you as a world champ I’ll always respect you as a human being vato..👍🏼

[@jafmex]

Fernando, you said years ago that trinidads own fans were saying to check trinidads' hand wraps, remember. Bro, you were top dog💯💯💯

[@anthonyventi1579]

Vargas had such a pro friendly style, people forget what a successful amateur career he had. His fight against Tito showed extraordinary heart. Glad he’s still doing well.

[@beerman9807]

tito cheating, he was hurt so he gave Vargas a low blow

[@hloz8187]

Lol successful? he was mediocre at best.all you guys gona bring up is his heart in his many losses in big fights.he never one a big fight.last I remember he got his ass whooped by Mayorga 🇳🇮 🥊

[@anthonyventi1579]

@@hloz8187 mediocre amateurs don’t make it to the Olympics. You’re either kidding or ignorant.

[@anthonyventi1579]

@@hloz8187 “Never one a big fight” 😂

[@armandop9082]

Vargas beat Winky Wright who would beat Tito pretty easy as they say styles make fights.

[@rafaelmartinez3073]

Bumped into Vargas in Vegas always was my favorite fighter grownup in canoga he was humble enough to take a picture real chingon ….I was a good friend of Pelos Javier Garcia wich was a grandson the man that trained Vargas

[@miclovin9927]

I'm a fan. Wishing this Man good health. And his son's success 👍

[@TheRealMisterChopShop]

Nice video OG. I met Fernando, Mikey and Robert Garcia. In Oxnard, they gave me autographs.

[@lalogarcia6811]

the love he missed when he was young God blessed him with his kids AND FAMILY AND great wife.. happy for him..

[@AA-zx6nw]

Vargas one of the best ever to put the gloves on. I was born in Oxnard and moved to the Bay Area when I was 4 years old. I’m 39 yrs old now and have been in NorCal almost my entire life and wouldn’t want it any other way,but whenever Vargas was in the ring I always used to be proud I had roots in Chiques! Those fights vs Trinidad and Delahoya were epic. I thought he would have beat Trinidad but he got hit too many times below the belt. Trinidad was a dirty fighter. Also, much respect he talks about God a lot. He is right none of us can do anything positive in life without God. This vato is a legend.

[@oscar-gi3mo]

did you becomea buster

[@ernestoescamilla2286]

Awesome interview! EL FEROZ! One of my all time favorite boxers! Puro team Vargas!

[@CesarGonzalez-pj9gg]

Sad to hear Fernando Punch Drunk 😢 One of my favorite boxers growing up. Bumped into him in Rosarito Mx in the late 90s

[@Joetrout]

He has always talked like that.

[@gilbertcavazos6541]

No he’s punch drunk bad too many KOs

[@edwardgarcia3451]

Great interview with Fernando Vargas Sr.

[@fuerzatijuanense]

One of the most exiting fighters of my time saludos desde tijuana,baja "El Feroz" 🇲🇽🥊🔥

[@anthonynunez9173]

Respect to Vargas, great rivalries and fights back in my younger days. True warrior

[@aaronanderson7619]

Back when HBO was something and fighters were better. Nothing against the newer guys, they rock... but the 90s were just different.

[@anthonynunez9173]

@aaronanderson7619 Waaaaay different! Personally I think floyd fucked it up. Now everyone wants to pick and choose. By the time they're forced to fight some real fights, one of the fighters is already on there way out.

[@Chargers420]

Vargas is my all time favorite fighter!!!

[@alexandertarango6094]

i partied with fernando and his dad in el paso tx really respectful people 😎💪

[@jamesdominguez8389]

Which dad vato or moy

[@robkeller3431]

I wish Vargas was still young to see him boxing all over again.

[@compton3927]

I love this vato! He never duck nobody at a young age! But at the same time I feel bad because it did took affect on him.

[@timeismoneyentrepreneur]

Lets support this man we need more Chicanos out there on KZbin

[@chicanorock-rapfusion6411]

Fernando Vargas is a living legend! God Bless you Carnal…

[@ArmandoGarcia-pd5bh]

That's my boy that's a true champion right there ferocious Vargas

[@juanrangel4703]

🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽 orale chingon Raza firme puro 🥊🥊🥊🥊 boxing saludos gto

[@gilesquivel6151]

Vargas with the huge heart Never seen him like that no wonder the guy never backed down. Always giving props to people that helped him Will be a fan of his boys Good call on bringing in Vargas. Keep it going Mr Corona.

[@Drew7ONE3]

I think he’s talking about Yori “Boy” Campas. About the sparring part. I’ve heard Robert Garcia talk about that sparring. Vargas was pissed but when he got ahold of him in the actual Ring. Vargas whooped him 🔥💯🥊

[@dannylopez1962]

He fought his heart out he went all in

[@frankiemurrieta310]

El Feroz thanks for all the great fights brother God bless you and your family.

[@jessmendoza6870]

Great testimony for God's Glory! It privilege to know both of these Men, Much love and Respect. Coach Jesse Mendoza Heredia gym

[@MafiosoStyle1340]

Beautiful interview. A few times through the interview I felt the spirit. I was in prison from 1996-2011. 18 years old to 33 and Vargas was one of my favorite fighters even though I never got the chance to watch him fight (besides KZbin). It would've been great had he beat DeLaHoya tho. Much love and respect from Texas...

[@jrivas6247]

Trinidad also said that Vargas was his hardest fight

[@Riles3152]

Just this past Friday I spoke to Vargas who was at the place where I work for his son's fight. Told him I've been watching him fight since I was a kid. Cool guy and even asked me if I wanted a pic. That woulda been awesome but I was still on the clock 🤣Told him God bless you and he said the same 💯

[@noepedroza1918]

Damnn My favorite fighter for real El feroz a true warrior.....great interview Popeye serio vato.......God bless him and Popeye también

[@peacethroughstrength172]

Thats what it takes, and heed the journey.. 1 out of a 10000 kids today are that self motivated and self disciplined but these old schools were cut from a different cloth, pre internet and technology raised that didnt waste hours on that junk. Huge difference.

[@Fishsaurus]

I am from PR and I always liked “El Feroz”!!! Good to see you doing well champ!

[@inmycity713]

Dope interview. Fernando Vargas needs a documentary.

[@refpopeyeray]

Absolutely 👍

[@anthonyc8432]

Fernando, champ, you were different from many other boxers. You weren’t afraid to take on the best at a young age.

[@thisfoo9446]

Still and forever be the king of the 805…respects from SANTA PAULA CA

[@familiaprimero4920]

Great channel and great interview. I discovered your interviews on other Chicano podcast and I remember telling my friends because I saw you ref fights and suspected you were a veterano and was intrigued. Keep up the good work and the positivity 👍🏽

[@kingeleven3820]

This one's an epic one even tho i hated him when i was a child 😂😂😂😂 now i enjoy everything he does how hard he works in the gym with his kids.

[@Glory-to-Him37]

Same I was young and HATED that cali macho ish and hairdo lol But as I grew up and learned more of boxing I started to appreciate the talent he was Rooted so bad for him against Mayorga..damn I wanted that win for him But now to see his true greatness post ring is amazing And his testimony for Christ God is beautiful Love this dude 👊

[@martinorosco1899]

One of the Best boxing interviews ive ever seen Mad Respect to Popeye & Fernando God bless you both my Brothers 💯🙏✊

[@daniellucero6036]

Amen my brothers. 🥊💯🙏

[@BuddaSlim]

I used to box in the colonia gym with Fernando and Robert

[@peacethroughstrength172]

Fantastic interview!! Seeing the ole school boxers that brought us nothing but the best entertainment and always came to fight every time is always a great pleasure.

[@jerrygarcia2178]

!!!!!!!AMEN!!!!!!! AMEN!!!!! AMEN!!!!!!! GOD BLESS !!!!!!! CARNAL !!!!!!

[@jerrygarcia2178]

you did it with GOD we as gente dont do anything alone with OUT GOD !!!!! AMEN

[@perryochoa7965]

great interview with my favorite fighter of all time!

[@amospagan132]

I'm puertorican fan migeul cotto an Felix Trinidad was my favorite fighter as a fan of boxing Fernando vargas was also my favorite an Chavez sr this boxers had that dog in them great Warriors 🥊

[@HomeOfTheBRAVE.]

Popeye is a legend and Fernando a true warrior and one of the greats in boxing. God bless. These 2 gentlemen.

[@sergiosalazar4405]

I met Vargas at the Pacquiao vs clotty fight and he was so humble and cool. Much love big G 💯

[@fillmoredude]

Another great interview, keep them coming.

[@5555emerson]

You're right Fernando, you had no one to help you. Much respect to you though. You were very organic/real & the people lived you. I look at the supply others have had & it makes a big difference. I will never forget the ❤ you showed vs Trinidad. Wish you a life of joy because the time here is short.

[@armandop9082]

Boxing is a brutal sport and not many leave without serious damage done physically and mentally, very few leave on top of sport.

[@soundguy_rob]

Awesome interview, very informative and entertaining, good stuff!!

[@georgeramos6259]

some great boxers passed their prime have gotten to that last fight and end up quitting. Vargas lost his last fight but he never quitted and fought hard until the end. respect

[@carolmary46]

What a blessing two people that are strong and Macho and still love the Lord

[@noelg220]

Mis respetos para Fernando. Me alegra saber que eres cristiano ✌️🤙

[@juandevora4873]

To give some credit to Vargas I think Tito hit him on the balls a couple of times after Vargas knocked him down I remembered this fight so well I was just a 15 yr old but was a huge Vargas fan

[@jessecastro1448]

Popeye Ray , Another Great Interview With Fernando Vargas. Keep Them Coming. Ray You Mentioned Toro. I Meet Him And Dingo Years Back At Oldies Concert. Much Respect For Them Vatos As Well.

[@TheRealMisterChopShop]

I’m hooked on this channel is channel has the ultimate wow factor… Mr. corona your legendary, thank you homeboy.

[@JZ505]

Awesome interview! Everybody has a Fernando story or memory. One thing i remember is the early Fernando haircut! All the chicano youngsters had the high and tight fade with the blonde bangs. Lol, thats influence before KZbin 😅

[@alexromero6577]

Wtf bro that was me I was that kid because of him good memories. Thank you

[@MightymouseB-gw1sw]

@@alexromero6577 the 501s white staford shirts from JC Penney the all black Kswiss and the frosted bangs GUILTY TOO it was jst too fukin kool to pass up on it

[@josegonzales6065]

Great interview!!!

[@EastLosAngeles1964classic]

Brother Ray, another great interview. Bendiciones

[@pistola-lv7up]

I'm glad I found this channel great interview.

[@SLAdventuresandFood]

Great interview and KZbin channel Popeye Ray 💯

[@enriquegarza1573]

This was a Awesome interview from the beginning till the end!!!

[@refpopeyeray]

Thank you for watching!

[@behindtheropes8139]

Great interview 🥊

[@BIGGLOUPR]

Firme Episode Popeye Ray....Orale 💯💪😎👊🇵🇷🇺🇸⚒️

[@trepena2058]

Man Vargas is 1 of my favorite boxers of all time definitely top 10 of all time no cap & definitely top 5 Mexican boxer of all time also that’s my personal opinion 💯💪🏽‼️…. #ElFeroz

[@pleighboi661]

top 5? even when he was taking steroids he couldn’t win against top boxers 😂

[@jessnevares7861]

FV was a great fighter. He moved up to fast and that was his demise. I’m glad he’s in a good place. Happy Father’s Day. 😊

[@TheJokerStyle.]

Great interview...Shot out to The Both Of You...💯💯💯

[@moisesgonzalez7804]

Good interview homie keep bringing that solid content much love and respect ese 💯

[@Calvinmob6886]

Don Garcia is a good man. I see Fernando being a good man to his sons.

[@tonybustos2396]

Firmeee😜, at 60 I still train y so to say , keep strong bro

[@fredciaramella6979]

another great show

[@tonygee61]

Dope video homies, nando had me busting up and gave me a different outlook on him 👍🥊🥊 GOD IS GOOD

[@tommorales8725]

Great job Ray keep up the great work 👏

[@EASTBAYNORCAL]

If you know boxing Vargas shows sings of brain damage his speech is very broken and slow..gotta give him credit he was a very young fighter in his early 20’s that stepped up to fight great prime fighters in they’re late 20’s today there is no Vargas a bunch of panochas scared of challenges

[@alexromero6577]

True

[@805oxnardsocal]

He's always talked like that thoe

[@ernestgutierrezjr4149]

Great interview with Champ Fernando

[@atascocalnative2376]

Positive energy brother great interview

[@Chowdawg562]

Deep interview. 🔥🙏🏼

[@firmechiva]

Firme podcast, subscribed.

[@sleepyswan]

🤝🏿 aye 1 of my favorite reffs besides Cortez and mills lane Good vibes going your way mr.popeye and your son lookin good 🥊 stay blessed

[@franciscommontielrodriguez707]

Este hermano es de los que mas estimo en el boxeo

[@HomeOfTheBRAVE.]

Glory to God, love the interview God the most important part, hes faithful and merciful

[@kimosFlix]

🔥🔥 Gracias for the Good Content 🏆💯

[@ralphflores5159]

My favorite fighter of all time!

[@donmontana1]

Great content.

[@marcovalenzuela2984]

My Favorite Fighter of All Time

[@alexromero6577]

My favorite boxer let's go

[@azma775]

My favorite fighter of all time

[@MandioOfficial]

Got to meet Feroz in Dallas. That vato is a very stand up dude.

[@juliojuarez4549]

Great and entertaining fighter. Sad to see the side effects of all those hits to the brain in his speech. 😔

[@armandoruiz1888]

Orale Popeye Ray. Didn’t know you had your own KZbin channel. Right on 👍🏽 I’m subscribing. I’ve been watching boxing since your pops was refereeing at the great western forum.

[@armandoruiz1888]

Despensa Ray. YOU were the one referring. You haven’t aged much 👍🏽👍🏽

[@tequilaamigo4687]

Great interview 🥊🥊🥊

[@refpopeyeray]

Thank you for watching!

[@edfigueroa6263]

I saw the PPV fight Vargas vs Dela Hoya👍Badass.

[@adictomusic]

Great interview Ray. 👍

[@georgeluna9729]

DO YOU KNOW WHERE RAY GREW UP AND WHATS HIS LAST NAME?

[@bofadeez7553]

⁠@@georgeluna9729 Basset (La Puente) Ray popeye corona

[@tulionunez9964]

That Trinidad fight, they could have wait one or two more years so Fernando could mature a little more

[@gerardolopez5875]

Agree!!!! Back then!!! But now ignorants asking for morrel vs benavidez! Morrel with only 9 fights

[@sergiocastaneda1099]

Great podcast! Also, what boots are you wearing Popeye? Much love and respect desde Phoenix