Josh Hedges/Getty Images

Most, if not all big-time boxing fans have had November 21st circled on the calendar for quite some time. The biggest and best pugilistic matchup of the year takes place this weekend when Miguel Cotto takes on Canelo Alvarez in a pay-per-view showdown from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

The hotly anticipated battle is likely to draw plenty of eyeballs, which is good for not only the two excellent fighters in the main event, but those on the undercard as well.

One such scrap will see Takashi Miura (29-2-2, 22 KOs) defend his WBC World Super Featherweight title against undefeated challenger Francisco Vargas (22-0-1, 16 KOs).



Here's the viewing info for the undercard title bout.

Takashi Miura vs. Francisco Vargas Viewing Info

Date: Saturday, November 21

Time: Televised card begins at 9 p.m. ET

Location: Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas

TV: HBO (Pay-per-view only)

Live Stream: BoxNation

Josh Hedges/Getty Images

While Miura is the fighter with a belt at stake, Vargas should in no way be seen as a typical underdog challenger. The Ring ranks Miura as the second-best fighter in the division behind Takashi Uchiyama, while Vargas sits at fifth.

Vargas, of course, sports an unblemished record and holds the WBO International and NABF Super Featherweight titles. Vargas is also coming off three straight wins via stoppage, the last being an eight-round TKO of Will Tomlinson in March of this year. Miura clearly respects his opponent.

"Francisco Vargas has proved himself to be a tough competitor," Miura said in October, per ESPN.com's Dan Rafael. "But I have repeatedly fought to keep my WBC title and on Nov. 21, I will show American fans once again why I am a champion."

Vargas (5'8) is slightly taller than Miura (5'6 1/2"), though both fighters sport a 70-inch reach, per BoxRec. Vargas will have to deal with Miura's southpaw stylings, which can create issues for some boxers. According to Bleacher Report's Briggs Seekins, Vargas likes to get inside and throw punches from close range:

Vargas reminds a fan of many former Mexican greats, such as Erik Morales, who campaigned at super featherweight in the past. He comes forward behind a tight, high guard and throws compact, powerful punches to the body and head. He has outstanding timing and excels at finding the spaces between his opponent's own punches.

Vargas will have to be at his tactical best to get in range against the southpaw Miura, finding the right openings and angles without exposing himself to undue risk from a fighter who likes to force the issue. Miura has a solid 22 knockouts on his record and hasn't lost a bout since 2011.

TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/Getty Images

Vargas expects the fight to be an exciting, pressure battle, per an interview with BoxingInsider.com's Matthew N. Becher:

I am aware of Takashi as a fighter. I know he is a very strong fighter and he has a style very similar to my own, which is coming forward. In the beginning I will make sure I understand Takashi and measure him out. But by the end of the fight, we will constantly be exchanging, and it will be a really great fight.

Considering there will likely be a large contingent of Mexican fans at the fight in support of Alvarez, Vargas, who hails from Mexico City, should be able to feed off a supportive, partisan crowd. The Japanese Miura has fought almost exclusively in his home county. He'll be making his U.S. boxing debut Saturday.

This is a bout that is likely to start out just the way Vargas described it: cagey at first, as both fighters respect each other's power and accuracy, before turning into an all-out war toward the end. This has the makings of a bout that goes to a very close decision on the cards, despite both fighters sporting good knockout records.

If Miura can use his southpaw stance to catch Vargas off guard and prevent him from closing down space on the front foot, he can put his opponent on the run and take the bout on points.