Antonio Vargas ready to shock Bam Rodriguez: 'World will be shocked'

WBA champion Antonio Vargas believes Saturday's fight against Bam Rodriguez will shock the boxing world.

Vargas told Ring Magazine he has spent his entire career preparing for this moment and expects to hand Rodriguez his first professional loss. The Indiana native goes in as a heavy underdog against the San Antonio star, who is widely regarded as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. Rodriguez chose Vargas over two other champions at 115 pounds, a decision Vargas attributes to destiny rather than any perceived weakness.

Vargas sees path to upset Rodriguez on timing and angles

The challenger says his game plan centers on landing cleaner shots during exchanges and figuring out Rodriguez's rhythm as the rounds progress. Rodriguez relies more on shifting angles than most fighters, according to Vargas, who has built his camp around solving that puzzle. "I think the timing and the punch placement is going to be the key thing in neutralizing him," Vargas said, per the Ring Magazine interview.

Vargas acknowledged the underdog role fuels his preparation. He has been counted out before and sees Saturday as the fight that opens doors to bigger names like Naoya Inoue. Despite holding a world title, Vargas says he lacks recognition — something a win over Rodriguez would instantly change.

"Out of all the three champions he could've fought he picked me, but I believe this goes back to the destiny thing," Vargas told Ring Magazine. "June 13th the world is going to be shocked."

The fight takes place Saturday night in San Antonio.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — ‘I’ve trained my whole life for this moment’: Antonio Vargas prepared for big test in Bam Rodriguez