Philippines, 20 Jan 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Antonio Vargas Seeks Showdown with WBA Bantamweight Champion Seiya Tsutsumi

PhilBoxing.com




ORLANDO, FL (December 23, 2024) – Boxlab Promotions' rising star Antonio Vargas (19-1, 11 KOs) showcased his grit, determination, and knockout power when he claimed the WBA interim world bantamweight title in dramatic fashion on December 13, 2024, at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL. The 27-year-old from Kissimmee, FL, scored a stunning stoppage of previously unbeaten Winston “El Fantasma” Guerrero (22-1, 13 KOs) in the 12-round main event of MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 10 card televised live on DAZN.

Vargas, who climbed off the canvas early in the fight, delivered a career-defining performance that has solidified his status as one of boxing’s brightest talents. He is now seeking a showdown with WBA bantamweight champion Seiya Tsutsumi (12-0, 8 KOs) of Japan.

“Getting knocked down was a reminder of how tough this sport is, but I showed the heart of a champion,” said Vargas, who is a devout Christian. “Winston Guerrero is a great fighter, but I refused to let this moment slip away. Winning the WBA interim title is the result of all the sacrifices I’ve made, and it’s just the beginning.”

Vargas’s journey to this milestone has been nothing short of inspiring. Since his lone professional defeat in 2019, he has reeled off 10 consecutive wins, seven of which came by knockout. This winning streak shows how hard he’s worked to improve his skills and his willpower to become the best in his weight class.

“The road back hasn’t been easy," Vargas reflected. “I had to dig deep, fix mistakes, and stay focused. Every fight since 2019 has been a step closer to this title. Those tough moments built the fighter you see today, and I’m ready for anything that comes my way.”

Looking ahead, Vargas has his sights set on the reigning WBA bantamweight world champion, Seiya Tsutsumi of Japan. Undeterred by the challenge of traveling abroad, Vargas expressed confidence in his ability to take on the best.

“I want to prove I’m the best bantamweight in the world, and that means facing Seiya Tsutsumi,” concluded Vargas. “I’m ready to fight him in Japan or anywhere else. This is what being a champion is all about—facing the toughest challenges head-on and coming out on top.”

With his relentless drive, a world title in his grasp, and a vision for unifying the bantamweight division, Antonio Vargas is poised for a monumental 2025. Boxing fans around the globe can expect more electrifying performances from him in the months and years to come.”

“Antonio Vargas proved he’s an elite fighter with his performance against Guerrero proved he’s ready for the biggest fights,” said Boxlab Promotions President Amaury Piedra. “We are working diligently to finalize a fight in Japan against Seiya Tsutsumi for the WBA title. Antonio’s desire and skills make us confident he can unify the division and cement his place as one of boxing’s top stars.”




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 18 JANUARY 2026: Nikita Tszyu-Michael Zerafa End in No Contest; Raul Curiel Outpoints Jordan Panthen
    By Eric Armit, , Mon, 19 Jan 2026
  • Ryan Daye ready for WBC title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Mon, 19 Jan 2026
  • RAUL “EL CUGÁR” CURIEL CRUISES TO UNANIMOUS DECISION WIN OVER JORDAN “THE PATRIOT” PANTHEN
    , Sat, 17 Jan 2026
  • Weights from Philadelphia
    , Sat, 17 Jan 2026
  • Mexico Commemorates 12th Death Anniversary of Don Jose Sulaiman (Photos)
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 17 Jan 2026
  • MOLLY McCANN EYES 'HUGE' STATEMENT START TO 2026 AS SHE JOINS BUMPER WOOD-WARINGTON CARD IN NOTTINGHAM ON FEBRUARY 21
    , Sat, 17 Jan 2026
  • NEW MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCED! RAUL CURIEL SCHEDULED TO FACE JORDAN PANTHEN IN MIDDLEWEIGHT SCRAP
    , Fri, 16 Jan 2026
  • SMALLS VS RAMOS TOPS STACKED UNDERCARD FOR NAVARRETE-NUNEZ BLOCKBUSTER IN GLENDALE
    , Fri, 16 Jan 2026
  • Usyk Linked to Zuffa Boxing Deal as Questions Loom Over Title Defenses
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 16 Jan 2026
  • Abass Baraou: "No One Has Been Able to Withstand My Pressure!"
    , Fri, 16 Jan 2026
  • Wise Owl Boxing Signs Rising Female Star Chantel “Chicanita” Navarro
    , Fri, 16 Jan 2026
  • Mauricio Sulaiman: WBC wants to protect fighters' dream of becoming a world champion
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 15 Jan 2026
  • Xander Zayas: "It's Time to Make History!"
    , Thu, 15 Jan 2026
  • Weights from Trenton, NJ
    , Thu, 15 Jan 2026
  • Pro Boxer and Recent Grad Returns for Fight Night on the Farm — Celebrating Stanford’s Boxing Community
    , Thu, 15 Jan 2026
  • Jamaine Ortiz Aims to Derail Keyshawn Davis’ Undefeated Streak at Madison Square Garden
    , Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • “No bad blood from me”- Good friends become better rivals – Clarke is ready for Cruiserweight title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • Itauma suffers injury; Magnificent 7 rescheduled to March 28
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • Top Super Lightweights Bryan Flores & Starling Castillo Battle in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’
    , Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • Harden surpasses Shaquille O'Neal's to become the ninth all-time leading scorer in NBA history
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • “It’s time, LFG” - Holly McMath Trilogy for WBC Title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • IBA President Kremlev encourages sporting organisations to protect women’s sport following Trump’s statement on Imane Khelif
    , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • REYES, STRICKLAND, BUSTAMANTE & SOUQUET SET FOR HISTORIC SHOWDOWN AT WNT LEGENDS – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
    , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • Pumicpic fights Korean in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • No. 1 rated WBA Super Flyweight contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez remains patient and Looks forward to a 2026 World title shot
    , Tue, 13 Jan 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.