Any time a fight reminds someone of Diego Corrales VS Jose Luis Castillo, it will be a definite candidate for Fight Of The Year. Francisco Vargas VS Orland Salido was just that. It was a can’t miss when you really think about it. Francisco Vargas (23-0-2, 17 KO’s) has been unofficially characterized as the most exciting fighter in boxing, for his ability to take big punches, and also because of his push output per round. Orlando Salido (43-13-4, 30 KO’s) is also a can’t miss action fighter, due to the fact that he throws power punches almost exclusively. He has the lowest jab output of any significant fighter in the sport, so almost all his punches are heavy shot. When you mesh the two together, you are all but guaranteed to see the Fight Of The Year. This is precisely why Francisco Vargas VS Orlando Salido is my unanimous choice for the INSIDE RINGSIDE 2016 Fight Of The Year.
It took about midway through the first round for the bombs to start flying, and the fight was just as entertaining throughout the remainder. It is extremely rare for two fighters to step into the ring and just keep throwing and absorbing huge shots through all 12 rounds. The only difference between this fight and the Corrales VS Castillo fight (fight of the decade), was the fact there were no knockdowns. There were a few moments where near knockdowns occurred, however, the final punch stats were absolutely astonishing. This really showed why this was the choice for Fight Of The Year. Francisco Vargas landed 386 of 1184 (33%) punches in the fight, while Orlando Salido landed 328 of 939 (35%) punches. As Jim Lampley would say, “How do men do this?” That question simply cannot be answered, and this is the reason why Francisco Vargas VS Orlando Salido takes home the honors of the INSIDE RINGSIDE 2016 Fight Of The Year. It was very fitting it ended in a draw.
-David Jukic, INSIDE RINGSIDE
