Results: Bradley survives scare, defeats Vargas

Newly crowned WBA welterweight interim champion Timothy Bradley (32-1-1, 12 KO's) made his return to the StubHub Center in Carson, CA in dominating fashion by giving the previously undefeated Jessie Vargas (26-1, 9 KO's) the first loss of his career. Bradley defeated Vargas by Unanimous decision with scores of 116-112, 115-112, and 117-111.

Bradley came out aggressive from the opening bell in an attempt to demonstrate a new found power that he had claimed he was developing during training camp. It was clear that Bradley was shooting to impress with a knockout victory. Vargas was able to land counter at Bradley's aggressiveness throughout the entire fight however it was Bradley's work rate that took control of most of the fight. The first six rounds were closely contested but it seemed that Bradley was edging each one out. After the sixth, Bradley began to become even more dominate.

However, what kind of fight would it be without Timothy Bradley not involved in some sort of controversy. With about 25 seconds left in the 12th round Jessie Vargas landed an overhand right that almost dropped Bradley. The struggle to survive become a surprising reality for Bradley who backpedaled his way to the ropes and the corner as he grabbed a hold of Vargas for dear life. When the ten second warning rang, referee Pat Russell stopped the fight thinking that it was the final bell. The stoppage had Jessie Vargas thinking he had one by 12th round TKO as he celebrated his victory. After clarification, the fight would go to the scorecards giving Bradley the win. Some felt that Russell robbed Vargas of a chance of a KO victory though it appeared that Bradley would have been able to finish with only 8 seconds remaining.

In the co-main event, future Mexican prospect Oscar Valdez (16-0, 14 KO's) dominated Ruben Tamayo (25-6, 17 KO's) over ten rounds. Scores were 99-90, 98-90, 98-90.