Philippines, 19 Jan 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Antonio Vargas Elevated to WBA World Bantamweight Champion

PhilBoxing.com





Boxlab Promotions Celebrates First-Ever World Champion Under Its Banner

ORLANDO, FL (May 18, 2025) – Boxlab Promotions is proud to announce that Antonio Vargas has officially been elevated from WBA interim world bantamweight champion to WBA world champion following the World Boxing Association’s ruling. The move comes after reigning champion Seiya Tsutsumi suffered an injury that will sideline him for several months, forcing the WBA to designate him as "Champion in Recess."

This historic decision makes Vargas the first world champion to be crowned under the Boxlab Promotions banner, marking a significant milestone for both the fighter and the Florida-based promotional company.

“This is an unbelievable honor and a moment I’ll never forget,” said Vargas, who captured the WBA interim title by defeating previously unbeaten Winston “El Fantasma” Guerrero (22-1, 13 KOs) back in December of 2024. “To be named WBA world champion is a dream come true. I’ve worked my whole life for this, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped me reach this point. “I also want to give all praise and glory to my lord and savior Jesus Christ as without him none of this would be possible.”

Vargas, a former U.S. Olympian and standout in the professional ranks, expressed deep gratitude for his team stating… “This isn’t just my title — it belongs to my entire team. My trainers, my strength and conditioning coaches, my manager, and of course, my promoter Amaury Piedra and everyone at Boxlab Promotions. Without them, none of this would be possible.”

With championship gold now officially in his possession, Vargas is eager to keep proving himself among the elite. “The belt is just the beginning. I want to defend it, unify it, and keep challenging myself against the best in the division. I’m ready for what’s next, and I’m just getting started.”

Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, praised Vargas’s achievement and highlighted the significance for the company. “We couldn’t be prouder of Antonio. He’s been a consummate professional since day one and is everything you want in a world champion — disciplined, talented, and humble. This moment is not just a win for Antonio, it’s a landmark for Boxlab Promotions. He’s our first world champion, and we know it’s just the beginning of many more to come. We also want to send our best wishes to Seiya Tsutsumi for a full recovery. He’s a true warrior, and we hope to see him back in the ring soon.”




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • 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
  • Ironman 70.3 Davao on March 22
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 12 JANUARY 2026: Dalton Smith Halts Subriel Matias in 5; Kabayel Stops Knyba in 3
    By Eric Armit, , Mon, 12 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.