Local hero and Suffolk County best Alex “El Toro” Vargas is lacing up his gloves and returning to action since joining SCPD’s 185th recruiting class.
The undefeated fighter with a 12-0 record will face his strongest opponent to date, the experienced Mauro “El Rayo” Godoy, who is 37-8-1 in eight fights. 18 KOs. A welterweight bout.
Taking time off from boxing to serve and protect his community, Vargas graduated from the police academy last August and fell in love with the job. His last match in the ring will be in November 2021.
His favorite part of the show? Network with people from all walks of life and be there to lend a helping hand. But the hardline official acknowledged the job was not easy and he had been through his fair share of tough situations.
“You’re called to help all these people through the worst days of their lives, and to be able to help them in any way is a special feeling,” he told Long Island Grand.
Still, despite juggling the challenges of being a full-time cop and a professional boxer, Vargas was cheered by his colleagues, who were eager to show up and support him in the ring. Vargas was honored to represent the unit and he is grateful for their encouragement.
“this [SCPD] Has been very supportive of me becoming a boxer,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of people I’ve worked with ask about the fight and want to come and support me. ”
But training for his big comeback has not been easy. Balancing two demanding jobs and sticking to a strict diet has been tiring, but this scrappy fighter is ready to let it go.
“Boxing is my full-time job, but now having to plan when to train and box before or after work, and having to follow a strict diet while working is difficult and very tiring,” Vargas said. “But I know it’s a tall order and I’m ready for it.”
This Saturday at Paramount in Huntington, Vargas will be the main event for Star Boxing’s “Rockin’ Fights 44,” and fans of boxing and law enforcement are encouraged to show up and support the man who put his life on the line. People in danger and out of the ring.
Vargas quickly became a Long Island fan favorite, playing eight games at the Paramount in Huntington. In his debut, he produced “the loudest crowd ever” for the venue.
Above: File photo of Alex Vargas fighting during his last game at the Paramount Hotel in Huntington. (Image credit: Nicholas Esposito)
