By Steve Kim

It's been several days since WBC super featherweight belt-holder Francisco Vargas and Orlando Salido waged their insta-classic at the StubHub Center in Carson, California on HBO. After 12 hard-fought rounds the bout was ruled a draw. 

Salido (43-13-4, 30KOs) had been on HBO's airwaves in the past, but not since a March '14 split decision win over Vasyl Lomachenko. The decision to bring him back despite his less-than-pristine record is another example of why the number of blemishes is often overrated.

"I think the important thing is does a fighter deliver a quality fight in the ring and when you give them an opportunity do they step up and peform?" said Peter Nelson, the Executive V.P. of  HBO Sports. "From our perspective we care about good television, we don't necessarily care about good records but obviously you want fighters who can compete at an elite level.

"That's why people want to watch pro's at the height of their game and do what they do. And what we saw last Saturday night with Vargas and Salido was exactly that. It's one of the great fights of this year."

Regardless, it looks like 'Siri' Salido, who is now 35 years old, has found a place on the network, as has Vargas.

Nelson states - "Whenever a fighter gives a performance like that you have to take your hat off to him and I think Salido and Vargas both showed their mettle, they're true warriors. They had a high expectations of them going into the ring. There were high expectations and they delivered. I couldn't be more grateful as a fan."

Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.