Our Experts Decide: Will Tomlinson vs. Francisco Vargas
THE eyes of the entire Australian boxing industry will be on San Antonio, Texas, when US trailblazer ‘Wild’ Will Tomlinson attempts to shock the boxing world when he challenges undefeated WBC/WBO #1 rated super featherweight Francisco Vargas.
Aus-Boxing spoke to a group of industry insiders and got their thoughts on who they thought would win tonight and why.
Ben Damon, MAIN EVENT – Record: 9-6
Tomlinson SD 10 Vargas: This is the fight for Will Tomlinson. This likely decides if Wild Will makes it in America, or comes home to excite the Melbourne crowds once more. One thing is guaranteed – this will be an entertaining fight.
Neither Tomlinson or Francisco Vargas have boring bouts. Vargas is undefeated, and a typical Mexican style of fighter. Tomlinson is the Australian Mexican, who looks fitter and better prepared than ever before. I’ll tip an upset, with the Aussie to snatch it via split decision in a fight-of-the-year contender.
Adam Wilcock, Manager/Promoter – Record: 9-6
Vargas UD 10 Tomlinson: A win for ‘Wild’ Will is just what Aussie boxing needs. If preparation and dedication count, then Tomlinson will be well in the fight. Will is the ultimate professional.
I’m a believer in a form line though, and for that reason I think Vargas may be too experienced and hardened at this stage of his career. There’s a reason that nobody else in the world will fight Vargas, I hope I’m wrong.
Alex McClintock, Journalist for TQBR/Radio National – Record: Debut
Vargas W 10 Tomlinson: Unfortunately, I reckon a long, strong combination puncher like Vargas is a terrible match-up for Tomlinson. That said, Wild Will never takes anything lying down, so the fight’s going to be entertaining no matter what, and that won’t hurt his career.
Phil D. Jay, Editor for World Boxing News – Record: Debut
Vargas W 10 Tomlinson: It looks a tough test for Will on paper, but if he uses his boxing skills to the best of his ability I believe he can do enough to get the win, although I am expecting a hard fight which could conceivably go either way – on paper at least. Tomlinson has more to show US audiences than his previous defeat and this is his big chance.
Brett Bonetti, Journalist/Hulk Tulk Radio – Record: Debut
Tomlinson W 10 Vargas: This will be a tough fight for Tomlinson. Vargas is an aggressive fighter, so Will and must whether the storm and pick his timing. Tomlinson can be just as wild as Vargas, so he has to use his movement and catch him on the counter. Will can cause an upset in this one.
Jake Donovan, Editor for BoxingScene.com – Record: Debut
Vargas W 10 Tomlinson: I expect a much better showing from Tomlinson than in his stateside debut, when his career was a bit in disarray. He has a tall order in Vargas, but will likely give him all he can handle, only to fall just short in what might be the best fight of a loaded boxing weekend.
Adam Santarossa, Journalist for Newcastle Herald – Record: Debut
Vargas W 10 Tomlinson: This is a huge fight for Tomlinson in the context of his career. He made the move to the United States to compete at this level, but suffered a set back when he lost to Jerry Belmontes this time last year.
He has steered the ship somewhat with back to back wins over Alberto Cupido and Miguel Zamudio, as he should have given their records. But now it’s time for Wild Will to really make his mark. It is a must win for Will, otherwise there’s a chance he can get lost in the shuffle and have his cards marked as a fighter who just isn’t a contender on that elite level.
Vargas is very experienced and with him being undefeated in 21 fights it is hard to see him getting beaten. I expect the fight to go the distance and given the following that will come out to support the Mexican in Texas, he should have the edge. You throw in Tomlinson’s ability to get cut and his all action style, I just think Vargas will have too much class.
I’d love to be wrong and I’d love to see Will up in that world title picture and I commend him for putting it all on the line, but I just think Vargas will be too good across ten rounds. You cant discount Will’s heart, but Vargas, being the more technical and more experienced fighter, he’ll pick his shots and ensure he doesn’t leave that chin exposed for Will to exploit.
Cody Kaye, Journalist for Fox Sports – Record: Debut
Vargas W 10 Tomlinson: Super Featherweight star Francisco Vargas undoubtedly represents ‘Wild’ Will Tomlinson’s toughest battle yet. Undefeated and ranked inside the top five by the WBC, IBF and WBO, the Mexican has Tomlinson covered for both height and reach.
For the Aussie to win, he has to get in close and stay there. If he can remain busy, pile on the pressure and outwork Vargas, a world title shot may be just around the corner. My heart says Tomlinson, but my head says Vargas.
Brendan Bourke, Manager/Agent – Record: 10-3
Vargas TKO Tomlinson: This will be an exciting fight while it lasts. Both fighters wont be taking a backward step. Height, reach and handspeed go to Vargas so I see him picking up a win in an exciting fight.
Lincoln Hudson, Trainer – Record: 10-4
N/A: This is a good fight for either boxer as the winner should get a a world title shot within two fights. I would love to see ‘Wild’ Will win this one as he deserves his opportunity in the big time. I am not going to put the mocker on him, so I will just say lets go Will.
Barry Michael, Promoter – Record: 3-2
Tomlinson W 10 Vargas: Tomlinson looked great in his last fight in the USA winning by knockout after winning another fight beforehand since losing to Belmontes. He looked stronger and was punching harder.
Vargas is a heavy favourite and undefeated and rated number one by both the WBC and the WBO. He is a heavy favourite at about $6.00, I think Will who is tough and relentless can cause an upset and win on points. It Would be great for Aussie boxing and I am backing Will.
Luke Jackson, Boxer – Record: Debut
Tomlinson W 10 Vargas: I think this fight suits Will because Vargas will come to fight and be there to be hit. Will has to be careful as Vargas is a dangerous fighter. I’m tipping Will to win in a close points decision in a fight that will be a war.
Mike Altamura, Manager/Advisor – Record: Debut
Vargas TKO 8 Tomlinson: I’ve watched Vargas live a few times and he’s an awkward, rangy guy, tough as nails. Will has the tools to outbox him, and I hope he does, but will need to bring his A-game.
Jeff Fenech, Trainer – Record: 1-2
Tomlinson W 10 Vargas: I’m hoping Will lifts for this big fight. He has shown over the years that he will fight anyone and he has taken on all comers. I wish him the best.
Matt Clark, Manager – Record: 9-2
Vargas W 10 Tomlinson: ‘Wild’ Will faces his toughest test in Francisco Vargas. I see Vargas outpointing Will over the distance but I believe Tomlinson will have his moments in the fight. For mine, Vargas too quick. Hopefully I’m wrong.
George Reno, Trainer – Record: 8-2
Vargas TKO Tomlinson: This is a great fight. I think Vargas is a tough cookie, he’s a typical strong Mexican. I think Will is in for a tough time Vargas, especially with his cuts. I think Vargas wins by stoppage, maybe on cuts.
Gareth Williams, Trainer – Record: 10-5
Vargas TKO 8 Tomlinson: Vargas is not one dimensional, we know he has a heart of a lion but he is also a very smart boxer when he uses his left hand. He reminds me of Gatti in that he loves a tear up but could box his way to victory if he wanted.
Will is a class act and a true Aussie warrior but if I had my money on the line, I’d have to go with Vargas by stoppage.
Dan Smart, columnist – Record: 2-0
Vargas TKO 10 Tomlinson: This fight will be a war. Both fighters are aggressive and like to work off the front foot. My only worry with Will in this fight is he tends to by subjected to cutting. This could have a big result on the outcome of the fight.
Will has shown a much better defensive aspect to his game since moving to the US and to win this fight he will need to be using this in spades. Will needs to box this Vargas in order to have any chance in being successful. Going toe to toe with Vargas will not win him the fight.
I think Vargas will have too much for the brave Aussie and will win a late TKO due to stoppage on cuts.
Photo: Provided/Leija Battah Promotions
