Jose Zepeda vs. Josue Vargas for the WBC silver super lightweight belt

Josue “The Prodigy” Vargas earned his nickname fighting as an amateur growing up in The Bronx, and now the Puerto Rican-born super lightweight contender has the opportunity, to notch a career-defining win roughly 10 miles from where he was raised.

Vargas (19-1, 9 KOs) will face Jose “Chon” Zepeda (34-2, 26 KOs) in an ESPN+ 10-round main event Saturday at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. The winner of this crossroads battle will be in line for a world title opportunity. Vargas has won 13 straight since a controversial disqualification defeat, while Zepeda is one year removed from his Fight of the Year knockout victory over Ivan Baranchyk. Zepeda last fought in May, winning a decision over “Hammerin” Hank Lundy.

Jose Zepeda

“He’s a young fighter. He’s a very energetic fighter, but I’ve been there. I have a lot of experience with rated number one and two fighters in the world. Wherever he takes it, I’m going to take it. I already proved I could go as hard as it gets.

“You’re going to see the best of ‘Chon’ Zepeda. Like I said, wherever he takes it, that’s where I’m going to take it. I know I can go all out if I need to. I don’t think it’s going to go there. I just think I’m going to outbox him. He believes he is a better boxer. He believes he’s faster. He definitely doesn’t believe he hits harder.”

Josue Vargas

“I asked for the fight. I’m fighting in my hometown, Madison Square Garden, the main event. I feel ready very confident. He said I don’t have the experience he has, but hey, I’ve been in the ring {sparring} the best. I can name them. I’ve been in there with Mikey Garcia, Floyd Mayweather, Gervonta Davis, Teofimo Lopez. The list could keep on going.”

Both fighters passed the official weigh in today:

Jose Zepeda 139.4 lbs

Josue Vargas 139 lbs