Aftermath: Jessie Vargas Beats Sadam Ali

Jessie Vargas (27-1, 10 KOs) returned to the ring victorious on March 5th, 2016 against a top notch welterweight conteder, Sadam Alii (22-1, 13 KOs).

In what was a very high-skilled event, Jessie Vargas managed to secure a 9th round TKO win to the surprise of many boxing experts.

After all, Sadam Ali was considered the more technical fighter with a more accomplished amateur pedigree and an undefeated record. A win over Jessie Vargas would put him in line for a huge fight with perhaps Tim Bradley, Manny Pacquioa or Amir Khan.

Jessie Vargas successully trash talked his way into Ali's head. The Mexican-American fighter convinced Ali to go toe-to-toe and exchange when he did not have to. Vargas promised to knock out Ali if he did and delivered. The bait was laid out and Ali took it.

As the fight wore on, Vargas was able to walk down his opponent with ease. Ali was unable to stop this effective aggression even though he had his moments. In fact, the 8th round was probably Ali's best round until he was knocked down with a clean punch to the chin. This game changer allowed Vargas to put Ali away for good in the 9th round (watch highlights here).

Let this be a learning curve for Ali who's chin was also exploited as being weak. In order for Ali to rebound from a tough loss, he needs to go back to what he does best. Box.

In what was Vargas' biggest win-to-date, there is no doubt he's ready to face the top welterweights in the world. His camp will be seeking an immediate rematch with Tim Bradley that is for sure.

According to ESPN's top welterweight list below, there are a few question marks. For example, Tim Bradley is being over-hyped after beating up a washed up Brandon Rios. Manny Pacquiao is coming off major shoulder surgery and remains to be seen how he returns. Most of the new guys like Kell Brook, Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter, and Errol Spence are unproven welterweights. These fighters are also being protected by Al Haymon / Premier Boxing Championship network facing weaker competition over the last year.

If the PBC summer schedule remains true to form, we should find out whether these welter weights are the real deal. Jessie Vargas most recent win puts him into the conversation.

ESPN Top 10 Welterweight list [Webpage Link]

1. Manny Pacquiao (57-6-2) Next: April 9 vs. Bradley

2. Timothy Bradley Jr. (33-1-1) Next Fight: April 9 vs. Pacquiao

3. Keith Thurman (26-0) Next Fight: June 25 vs. Porter

4. Kell Brook (35-0)

Next Fight: March 26 vs. Bizier.

5. Danny Garcia (32-0) Next Fight: TBA

6. Amir Khan (31-3)

Next Fight: May 7 vs. Alvarez

7. Shawn Porter (26-1-1) Next Fight: June 25 vs. Thurman

8. Jessie Vargas (27-1) Next Fight: TBA

9. Errol Spence Jr. (19-0) Next Fight: April 16 vs. Algieri