“Yeah, this is what he wanted,” said Amari Akram, speaking on behalf of Team Vargas. “We could have gone to Japan, but this is what he wanted. At the end of the day, I think, as you said, this is what’s great about boxing. And when people step up for the best to fight the best, that’s what sets the tone for the sport.”

Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn explained that Vargas had little financial incentive to take the more dangerous assignment, making the decision all the more noteworthy.

“The financials could have been the same, but at the end of the day, he could have gone, defended his title,” Hearn said. “But the recognition, the visibility, and everything else that comes with this fight and this card, you couldn’t match it.”

Rodriguez will attempt to become a three-division world champion in his bantamweight debut.

The champion, however, has remained focused on the task in front of him.

“I’ve trained my whole life at this moment, and I believe this will be one of many more moments to come,” Vargas said. “I’m prepared. I want to give the fans a good fight, fighting one of the best fighters in the sport of boxing right now.”

Vargas (19-1-1, 11 KOs, 1 NC) will attempt to upset the odds and retain his title against Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KOs), who has stopped each of his last five opponents. For all the attention surrounding Bam’s pursuit of greatness, Vargas has made it clear that he has no intention of playing the role of a stepping stone on Saturday night.