Trinidad ready for Thiam but thinking of Vargas

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Trinidad ready for Thiam, but thinking of Vargas.

July 20, 2000 -- This weekend Puerto Rican boxing champion, Felix "Tito" Trinidad (37-0, 30 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBA super welterweight crown, when he goes up against top contender Mamadou Thiam (33-1, 30 KOs) at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida..

Called "Glory and Adventure -- A Tale of Two Cities," It will be the first major world title fight in Miami since 1982, when Aaron Pryor defeated Alexis Arguello at the Orange Bowl for the WBA junior welterweight crown.

But Trinidad's camp is also thinking of "Ferocious" Fernando Vargas.

Felix Trinidad Sr. has confirmed that he and Don King have come to an agreement with the notion that Vargas most likely will be his next opponent come December 2. King has to produce a contract for both parties to sign and close the deal.

Trinidad Sr. also made it clear that their bout with No. 1 ranked WBA contender Mamadou Thiam would be the only other fight for Tito this year.

"I do not think it is worth taking any risks before a fight with Vargas by trying to fit yet another a preparatory fight in between. Besides, Tito really doesn't need a preparatory fight at these stages. We will take Vargas head on."

Despite the mass interest in Trinidad fighting Vargas, Trinidad is not overlooking Thiam, who is ranked No. 1 by the WBA and has a 33-1 record with 30 KOs.

"He is a strong, patient fighter, and when he has his opponent in front of him, he is willing to finish him," Trinidad said.

Fernando Vargas is also anticipating a winter showdown with the Puerto Rican warrior. "De La Hoya is not going to be on my Christmas hit list, but Felix Trinidad is." "I think people want to see Fernando Vargas and Felix Trinidad."

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