Philippines, 15 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Vargas Ready to Shine in Eliminator Against Rodriguez

PhilBoxing.com




Orlando, FL (February 21, 2024) – On Saturday evening, 2016 US Olympian Antonio Vargas meets Jonathan Rodriguez in a 12-round World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight title eliminator at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, FL.

The WBA’s second ranked contender, Vargas is 17-1 with 9 KO’s. Fighting out of Kissimmee, FL, Vargas represented Team USA at the 2016 Olympics. Vargas had a stellar 2023, stopping contender Mitchell Banquez in six rounds and dominating former world champion Hernan Marquez enroute to a ten-round decision.

Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico and fighting out of Bethlehem, PA, Rodriguez has an excellent professional record of 17-1-1 with 7 KO’s. Ranked number three by the WBA, Rodriguez sent shockwaves through the boxing world when he scored a vicious first round knockout over former titlist Kal Yafai.

“I’m excited to be fighting in front of my fans in Orlando and on a big platform like DAZN,” Vargas said from his training camp in Kissimmee. “I know Jonathan is an aggressive fighter that likes to come forward, but we’ve got a great game plan to negate that. This is the kind of fight I’ve been dreaming of my entire career and a victory Saturday evening puts me first in line for a world title shot.”

The winner of Vargas-Rodriguez becomes the mandatory challenger for the WBA bantamweight title and faces the winner of the bout between current champion Takuma Inoue and Jerwin Ancajas.

“We’re pleased to be working with Matchroom to bring a world class championship card to Central Florida,” said Amaury Piedra of Boxlab Promotions. “From championship fights to title eliminators and rising prospects, this card has it all. We’re excited to see Antonio earn this great opportunity and to do it in his hometown in front of his fans is phenomenal. I have no doubt Vargas and Rodriguez will put on an exciting fight that the fans will enjoy.”

Vargas-Rodriguez airs live on DAZN at 8 pm as part of a loaded card featuring a welterweight title eliminator, Olympic Gold Medalist Andy Cruz, and Edgar Berlanga vs Padraig McCrory in the main event.

The card is promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Boxlab Promotions. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.com and the opening bout is scheduled for 5:30 pm.




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Efe Ajagba vs Charles Martin: Zuffa Heavyweights Square Off on Sunday
    By Chris Carlson, , Sun, 15 Feb 2026
  • “The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 15 Feb 2026
  • Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
    , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
    By Dong Secuya, , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • 3 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026
  • Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026
  • Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026
  • Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Malaya Vibrations to play gig at 5th MFPI Mindanao Summit
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Fight of the Night in Thailand: Ador Torres and Sairike Tuolewutayi Battle to a Thrilling Draw
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Young Australian Benji Birchell Claims Title Win in Thailand
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Tickets for the Inaugural “Mike Tyson Invitational” Amateur Fight Night on Saturday, March 14, in Las Vegas Are on Sale Now
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • 2026 USA Boxing Men's Elite High Performance Team and Squad Rosters Announced
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • IIEE, SAEP shared lead, PIChE won 3rd in a row in the PTC WED NEMO Chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 9 FEBRUARY 2026: Figueroa Stops Ball in 12; Medina Outpoints Curiel; Asanau, Unal Win in Montreal
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 10 Feb 2026
  • Paradero gets a rematch against Francisco
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 10 Feb 2026
  • Carcedo wins WBA Asia South super welterweight title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 10 Feb 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.