Vargas Fires His Co-Trainer

While training for the most emotional fight of his life, Fernando Vargas has fired co-trainer Roger Bloodworth.

Vargas, scheduled to challenge World Boxing Council 154-pound champion Oscar De La Hoya on Sept. 14 at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Events Center, questioned the commitment of Bloodworth, who has been in his corner since Vargas turned pro in 1997.

The full load will now fall on Vargas’ other trainer, Eduardo Garcia, who has been with Vargas since his amateur days in Oxnard.

“It was a business decision,” said Gary Shaw, Vargas’ promoter. “Once Fernando makes up his mind about something, it’s a done deal. Fernando wishes him luck.”

Shaw disputed the idea that the shakeup could affect Vargas’ training for the fight against De La Hoya, Vargas’ archrival from East L.A.

“I’m not concerned at all,” Shaw said. “Fernando is in great shape. Mentally, he’s in perfect shape. He just wants De La Hoya in the ring. That part hasn’t changed.”