Philippines, 11 Mar 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:

  • Benavidez-Ramirez presents his mega fight on "WBC Tuesday Coffe" in Mexico City
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 11 Mar 2026
  • “The Cuban Assassin" Scores Devastating 1st Round Knockout to Remain Undefeated
    , Wed, 11 Mar 2026
  • Boxlab Promotions Fighters Set to Shine on Matchroom Boxing Card March 21 in Orlando
    , Wed, 11 Mar 2026
  • World Boxing Futures Cup in Bangkok Update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 11 Mar 2026
  • Full Card Taking Shape for ProBoxTV’s Martinez Vs. Aleem World Championship Event on Sat., March 21, from NOS Event Center in San Bernardino, CA
    , Wed, 11 Mar 2026
  • Mike Tyson Invitational Announces Schedule of Events for Amateur Showcase Beginning This Thursday in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 11 Mar 2026
  • Filipino chess players make a courtesy visit to GAB chairman
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 11 Mar 2026
  • 3 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Shane Mosley Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 11 Mar 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 8 MARCH 2026: Opetaia Outpoints Glanton to Win Inaugural Zuffa Belt; Ricardo Salas, Vlad Panin Register Wins
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 10 Mar 2026
  • Brijhana Epperson and Christian Paez Highlight Day Two of 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup
    , Tue, 10 Mar 2026
  • Beltran, Prado rule Samal Half Marathon
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 10 Mar 2026
  • Meinke-Vargas IBF Featherweight Female World Championship Set for 12 rounds?
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 10 Mar 2026
  • Ruiz and Veloz Earn Dominant Wins on Opening Day of 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup
    , Tue, 10 Mar 2026
  • Top Rank Signs Undefeated Lightweight Prospect Sammy Contreras
    , Tue, 10 Mar 2026
  • 153 swimmers safely complete Davao-Samal-Davao Cross Channel
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 10 Mar 2026
  • Leading World Cruiserweight Contender Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki returns from 15-month layoff with another overpowering KO
    , Mon, 09 Mar 2026
  • Roca, Bernardino share top honors in Tea Block rapid chess tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 08 Mar 2026
  • Fastpitch Softball on March 20-22 in Calinan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 08 Mar 2026
  • Opetaia vs Glanton: Dana White Crowns First Boxing Champion. Is Fight Worthy?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sun, 08 Mar 2026
  • In Thrilling Showdown, Pagara Falls Short Against Polkinghorn by Points.
    , Sun, 08 Mar 2026
  • Unofficial Unification Tournament Brewing For Welterweights
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Sat, 07 Mar 2026
  • Fight Results from Montreal: Steven Butler Obliterates Ramadan Hiseni; Wins by Lenar Perez, Jhon Orobio and Steve Claggett
    By Eric Armit, , Sat, 07 Mar 2026
  • Former Champ Junior Makabu visits WBC offices in Mexico City
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 07 Mar 2026
  • WEIGHTS FROM SYDNEY, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA
    , Sat, 07 Mar 2026
  • Weights from Atlantic City
    , Sat, 07 Mar 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.