The last time Rod Salka (24-5, 4 KOs) fought in a nationally televised main event, he was brutally knocked out by Danny Garcia in a mismatch so egregious that while the New York State Athletic Commission inexplicably approved the bout, the WBC and WBA would not sanction it as a 140-pound title defense for Garcia.
On Thursday night’s Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN card in Indio, California, Salka once again played the role of massive underdog, this time within his own weight class against former WBC 130-pound champion Francisco Vargas (25-1-2, 18 KOs). This was Vargas’ second fight since losing his belt by TKO to fellow Mexican Miguel Berchelt, as the fan-favorite continues to build himself back towards title contention.