OXNARD, Calif. -- Fernando Vargas is sharp.

The Oxnard, Calif., native is already sparring 10 rounds and is going through sparring partners at a record rate as he prepares for his world super welterweight bout with Oscar De La Hoya on Sept. 14 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

	Fernando Vargas, left, rocked Ross Thompson in bout two years ago.

"I asked Carl Moretti (Main Events president of boxing operations) for more sparring partners and he's come through for me,'' Vargas said last week during a national conference call.

"I'm sparring 10 rounds and I feel strong. I want my sparring partners to come to work and try to knock me out. The only thing I prohibit is guys who don't bring it. I want them to try and knock me out. I train hard and I want them to work hard, too. If they don't, I want them to go home.''

Vargas' sharpness has caused some of his sparring partners to leave the camp at Big Bear.

"Some have left without saying goodbye,'' said Vargas.

In response to a remark by De La Hoya that he would knock Vargas out in six rounds, Vargas said, I'm not going to pick numbers, but I will take him out. It won't go the distance. As for his prediction, I don't know how Oscar is going to knock me out when he couldn't knock out (Arturo) Gotti at 130 pounds.''

Vargas was asked about De La Hoya's level of confidence and relaxed mood, compared to the serious approach taken by the WBA and IBA junior middleweight champion.

"I'm serious because this fight is serious,'' said Vargas. "I don't need to be cutting wood or dealing with bobbleheads. Let him play with the psychological warfare.''

Vargas says De la Hoya can't be hungrier than he is. "This is my time and I am looking forward to it. He's going to be fighting someone who's willing to give his life on the line.''

Because he is in the best shape of his career and has a size advantage over De La Hoya, it is believed Vargas will utilize strength, rather than focus on intelligence in the ring.

"I'm an intelligent boxer. We are working on a number of things. Some say I am angry, but I can make adjustments and box different styles for different occasions,'' he said.

Larry Ames is assistant sports editor of the Ventura County Star in California at http://www.insidevc.com.