Although Vargas had hoped to land a former world champion for the event, he says his focus now is entirely on taking care of business before taking on bigger fights.
“I’m definitely, after this fight, a title eliminator and hopefully a world title fight by the end of this year,” Emiliano said during an interview on the Ariel Helwani show. “I know I’m moving towards my world title. Every world champion has known and said they’re going to be world champion. That’s how I feel. I feel it in every bone in my body.
“So it’s another step toward that, and Bryce Mills is in the way. So, you know, I’ve got to crush him.”
Emiliano revealed that George Kambosos Jr. was discussed as a possible opponent, but negotiations never progressed because the former unified lightweight champion already had other commitments.
“We did talk to them,” Vargas said. “My lawyer and Top Rank talked to theirs, and they had prior commitments, but nothing really worked out as a result.”
Vargas believes he is already capable of competing with the division’s elite.
“I’m a fighter, right? And I’m ready now,” Emiliano said. “I definitely feel ready. Any fighter who doesn’t believe that shouldn’t be fighting.
“When I step up to fight Ryan, which I know I will, it will be on the biggest stage and for the biggest bag.”
However, Emiliano insists his attention is locked on Mills.
Asked how he expected Saturday’s fight to end, Vargas predicted a knockout.
“Decisive strike,” Emiliano said. “People are going to know I’m ready for my world title.
“Bryce Mills is in the way of my world title, and I have to crush him. I have to show the rest of the world that I’m here and that this young kid is ready for his world title.”
