Vargas’ Pro Debut Reset for March 25

The professional debut of former U.S. Olympic boxer Fernando Vargas of Oxnard has been rescheduled for March 25 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center.

Vargas, 19, who underwent surgery in November to repair torn ligaments in his left thumb, will fight an opponent to be determined in the 1,800-seat auditorium.

The program, previously set for March 7, will be televised on USA cable network, a spokesman for Main Events Productions said. The card also will include welterweight contender Derrel Coley in a separate bout.

Vargas, a welterweight, lost a controversial decision to Marian Simion of Romania in the second round of the Olympic Games last summer in Atlanta. In August, Vargas signed a lucrative multi-year promotional contract with Main Events.

“I’m ready to go now,” Vargas said. “I’m just so anxious to fight. I’m only about seven pounds over my weight. I’ve been training and my hand feels fine.”