By Rick Reeno

MGM Grand, Las Vegas - Jessie Vargas (19-0, 9KOs) won a ten round unanimous decision over former champion Steve Forbes (35-11, 11KOs), who came in on late notice after the orginal opponent, Alfonso Gomez, withdrew with back spasms. The scores were 100-90, 97-93 and 98-92.

The fight itself was a textbook boxing match from start to finish. Neither fighter took chances, nor was either guy in serious trouble. Vargas kept his distance, used his reach advatage, and countered an incoming Forbes.

Forbes couldn't really get off with much of anything, and Vargas kept a tight defense.