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