Although Vargas had hoped to land a former world champion for the event, he says his focus is now entirely on taking care of business before pursuing bigger fights.
“I definitely, after this fight, a title eliminator and hopefully by the end of this year a world title fight,” Emiliano said during an interview on the Ariel Helwani show. “I know I’m inching towards my world title. Every world champion knew and said they were going to become world champion. It’s the same way I feel. I feel it in every bone in my body.
“So this is another step towards that, and Bryce Mills is in the way. So, you know, I 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 with them,” Vargas said. “My lawyer and Top Rank talked with theirs, and they had prior obligations, but nothing really panned out because of that.”
Vargas believes he’s already capable of competing with the division’s elite.
“I’m a fighter, right? And I’m ready as of now,” Emiliano said. “I definitely feel ready. Any fighter who doesn’t believe so shouldn’t be fighting.
“When I do step up to fight Ryan, which I know I will, it’ll be on the biggest stage and for the biggest bag.”
However, Emiliano insists his attention is locked on Mills.
Asked how he expects Saturday’s fight to end, Vargas predicted a knockout.
“Decisive stoppage,” Emiliano said. “People are going to know that I’m ready for my world title.
“Bryce Mills is in the way of my world title, and I got to crush him. I got to show the rest of the world that I’m here and that this young kid is ready for his world title.”
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