Jessie Vargas banks on youth advantage over Pacquiao

American boxer Jessie Vargas is banking on the fact that he is ten years younger than his opponent, boxing champ and Senator Manny Pacquiao, a report on Unang Balita on Thursday said.

Vargas will defend his WBO welterweight title on Saturday (Sunday, PHL time) in a fight against Pacquiao in Las Vegas.

Three days before the bout, Vargas is taking it easy after intense training.

"Fight week is here and there's no pressure. Thankfully there's just excitement and some relaxation. Training camp is over. All the hard work is done. It's just about resting, talking to friends and media, promoting the fight," Vargas told GMA News' Mav Gonzales.

"I've fought fighters in the past who pack a good punch. It's never been a problem to me. I plan to do much of the punches going that way, in that direction. That's what I'll focus on," he added.

Asked if he thinks his age will work to his advantage, Vargas replied, "It will without a doubt. I'm the younger fighter. I'm at the prime of my career. And I'm gonna show it this Saturday night."

Vargas reiterated that he wants to win this fight and it doesn't affect him when people say that their upcoming bout is just a stepping stone for Pacquiao to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. again. Pacquiao lost to Mayweather in May 2015.

"Well, I wanna win this fight. Anything else that anyone else thinks, it's nonsense to me. It's not a fact. But I'm gonna make my statement on Saturday night," he said.

Vargas said his six-year-old daughter Jennifer might watch the fight.

"I have a beautiful daughter. She's six years old... I'm talking to her now about coming to the fight. She's making her own decision. She says feels she's not ready to come but she's not sure just yet," he said.

Vargas said he was already a fighter when his daughter was born.

"The good thing is I'm not bruised or bloodied very often. It doesn't happen. After a fight, she knows that I was gonna fight. But even then, a few scratches aren't too bad. I know how to dodge and move. Step left, step right," he said.

Vargas said fans can expect a good fight on Saturday.

"This Saturday night, expect fireworks. We're gonna give it our all. I'm coming for the win. I plan to remain as world champion," he said.

Of Pacquiao, Vargas said: "I'm sure he prepared well. And he'll give the fans a good fight." —KG, GMA News