Vargas’ Pro Debut Is a Knockout

For someone insistent on fighting before his hometown fans, Fernando Vargas didn’t give them much to see.

But what Vargas’ professional debut lacked in length, it made up for in punch.

Vargas, former U.S. Olympic welterweight from Oxnard, knocked out journeyman Jorge Morales of Mexico 56 seconds into their scheduled four-round bout before about 1,200 Tuesday night at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center.

Vargas, 19, frustrated by a five-month layoff because of surgery on his left thumb, entered the arena to the accompaniment of smoke and mariachis.

Moments later, Morales (17-15-2), filling in for an ailing Jose Corella, was in a fog and on the seat of his pants.

Vargas, dancing on his toes between flurries, delivered a series of left hooks, including three effective shots to Morales’ head that settled the contest. Morales, pinned on the ropes virtually the entire fight, barely laid a glove on Vargas.

When his opponent hit the canvas, Vargas turned and sprinted for his stool before being directed to a neutral corner.

Vargas is scheduled for fights over the next two months in Atlantic City, N.J., and New York.

“I like being a pro,” he said. “I just felt so good out there. I was taking my time. I wanted to see what he had to offer. I didn’t want to make any mistakes. Once I started landing, I knew I was hurting him.”