Returning Olympian Gets Hero’s Welcome

Teen pugilist Fernando Vargas didn’t bring home Olympic gold. But Oxnard treated the return of its golden boy Saturday like the arrival of a battlefield hero during days of yore.

A large gathering of friends, family and community supporters--proud and impassioned--waited at Oxnard Airport for the boxer’s noontime return in a tiny American Eagle connector flight from LAX.

About 100 of the well-wishers crowded into the airport’s outdoor baggage claim area, toting placards that read “Oxnard’s Olympian,” along with notebooks, pictures of Vargas and pens readied for an autograph.

As they waited for the 18-year-old’s arrival, many in the crowd were still simmering over Vargas’ controversial welterweight-division loss to Romania’s Marian Simion.

“Boxing is not a part of my life,” said Barbara Kerkhoff of Somis. “It is such a brutal sport. But when we heard about the controversy surrounding Fernando’s loss, we were compelled to come out and show our support. I don’t like to see injustice.”

Kerkhoff attended the welcoming with her husband, John Kerkhoff. He, too, lamented: “Vargas was--bluntly--shafted out of it.”

Leading the charge in Fernando’s defense was his 13-year-old brother, Roger, who watched the July 25 bout at the Alexander Memorial Coliseum at Georgia Tech University in Atlanta.

“He was robbed,” Roger said. “The whole world knows it. The Puerto Rican judge robbed him.”

Puerto Rican judge Ramon Navedo did not award Vargas a point in the second round, even though most observers agree that Vargas landed more blows than Simion.

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Supporters also spoke about Vargas’ maturity in the face of the bitter loss.

“After that kind of loss, somebody else would throw a fit,” said Hector Ramos, 45, of Oxnard, who volunteers at the Boys & Girls Club in Port Hueneme. “He carried himself with dignity. It wasn’t fair the way he lost, but his attitude is ‘What’s done is done. Let’s go on to the next chapter.’ I admire him for that.”

As Flight 3263 touched down and rolled to a halt at the arrival gate, cheers erupted from the small baggage area filled elbow-to-elbow with supporters, followed by loud chants of “Fernando! Fernando!” Soon, 15 passengers filed off the aircraft and were led to a separate entrance gate. After a brief moment, Vargas--boombox in hand, though not turned on--popped out. A shout went up from the crowd.

First in line for hugs and kisses were Vargas’ grandmother, Olivia Chavez, and his mother, Alicia Romo, and other family members.

Vargas thanked the audience for their support over his career and then gave them something else to cheer about.

“I’m going to be turning pro very soon,” he told supporters. “My first fight is going to be right here in Oxnard. I want you all to be there with me.”

Vargas said he is talking to several top promoters, including Don King and Bob Arum. Vargas said his first professional appearance could come around the end of October.

“It’s time to get paid,” Vargas said.