Philippines, 24 Aug 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


WBA Bantamweight World Champion Antonio Vargas Lands in Japan Ahead of Title Defense Against Daigo Higa

PhilBoxing.com





YOKOHAMA, JAPAN (July 23, 2025) — The champ has touched down. Antonio Vargas (19-1, 11 KOs), the reigning WBA Bantamweight World Champion, who is co-promoted with Boxlab Promotions and Matchroom Boxing, has officially arrived in Japan ahead of his July 30th title defense against hometown hero and #2 ranked contender Daigo Higa (23-3-2, 19 KOs).

The highly anticipated 12-round clash will take place at the historic BUNTAI Arena in Yokohama, setting the stage for a fierce showdown on enemy turf. The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN and on Matchroom’s social channels in the US and UK.

Vargas arrived with confidence, calm, and a laser focus sharpened by months of preparation. “I didn’t come this far to give anything up,” Vargas said upon arrival in front of a host of Japanese media members. “I respect Higa, I respect his crowd—but I came to handle business. I’m here to show that a true champion can rise anywhere, under any lights.”

The Kissimmee, Florida native is embracing the challenge of fighting in Japan—10,000 miles from home—and sees it as the next step in his journey. “This is all part of God’s plan. My faith in Jesus Christ has kept me strong through camp and brought me here with peace in my heart. I feel blessed for this moment, and I’m ready to make it count.”

Vargas' arrival was met with media buzz and excitement from fans eager to witness a world title bout featuring one of boxing’s most dynamic rising stars.

“Antonio is ready,” said Boxlab Promotions President Amaury Piedra as he expressed full confidence in his fighter. “He’s been locked in since day one, and now he’s stepping into Higa’s backyard with the mindset of a world-class champion. We believe in him. He’s going to show the world what heart, faith, and grit look like on the biggest stage.”

“This is a huge night for Antonio, and one on a great platform for him to show that he is ready to rule the world for a long time,” said Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn. “Daigo is a real test to face in a first defense, but it’s a challenge that Antonio is running towards with intent and belief, and the whole team believe that he will retain that title and will be hunting unification battles in the near future.”

With just days to go until the bell rings, the intensity is building in Yokohama. Antonio Vargas has landed. The mission is clear…defend the crown, silence the crowd, and leave Japan with the belt still in hand.




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • ALOYSIUS YAPP CLAIMS LONG-AWAITED US OPEN CROWN
    , Sun, 24 Aug 2025
  • Don King Productions Moving Forward With October 4th WBA World Heavyweight Showdown
    , Sun, 24 Aug 2025
  • Controversial Judges from Pacquiao-Barrios Fight Tapped for Canelo-Crawford Showdown
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 23 Aug 2025
  • Levinson’s Gift: Runyon’s quiet revelation, Lawton’s last battle, and the first Filipino boxer
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Sat, 23 Aug 2025
  • Rodrigo to challenge undefeated Sandoval in US
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 23 Aug 2025
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: Call to Action 12 Items for Boxers' Safety
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Fri, 22 Aug 2025
  • Libranza vs Pangga headlines Elorde card on Aug 24
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 22 Aug 2025
  • GM Antonio to compete in P100,000 top prize Rapid chessfest this Sunday in Roxas City, Capiz Province
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 22 Aug 2025
  • AISAT Basic Ed football training starts
    By Kim delos Reyes-Teves, , Fri, 22 Aug 2025
  • Josh Navarro Scores Another Win in Pomona, California
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 22 Aug 2025
  • UNDEFEATED CRIZTIAN PITT LAURENTE SET TO FACE HEBI MARAPU FOR IBF PAN PACIFIC TITLE
    , Fri, 22 Aug 2025
  • Dare To Enter: Undefeated WBC Interim Champion Vergil Ortiz to Defend Super Welterweight Title From Number 1 Contender Erickson “The Hammer” Lubin
    , Fri, 22 Aug 2025
  • Euri Cedeno Takes on Willie Jones on Friday, September 5th at Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, PA
    , Fri, 22 Aug 2025
  • COE AND HART CLASH ON BOOTS ENNIS CARD IN PHILADELPHIA
    , Thu, 21 Aug 2025
  • ‘There's nothing that he brings to the table that I've not got an answer for’ Sam Rennie on upcoming fight at Thunderdome 51
    , Thu, 21 Aug 2025
  • JAMAINE "THE TECHNICIAN" ORTIZ TRAINING CAMP NOTES
    , Thu, 21 Aug 2025
  • Gervonta Davis vs. Jake Paul: Exhibition Bout Announced for November
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 21 Aug 2025
  • Legendary boxing coach John Brown Compares cornering Tommy Morrison & Rising young star Marco Romero
    , Thu, 21 Aug 2025
  • World Kid to Host Meet-and-Greet and Open Workouts In advance of “The Return” on August 31 in Detroit
    , Thu, 21 Aug 2025
  • Assassin’s Creed: Brian Norman Jr. Signs Multi-Year Contract Extension with Top Rank
    , Thu, 21 Aug 2025
  • Five Philippine FIDE Masters are scheduled to arrive in Roxas City
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 21 Aug 2025
  • Boxing Promotional Powerhouse Top Rank Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday, September 13, in Las Vegas
    , Thu, 21 Aug 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 12: MUHAMMAD ALI LOSSES THEN WINS AGAINST KEN NORTON
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Wed, 20 Aug 2025
  • Pasig and Quezon City top 1st PCAP Rated Open championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 20 Aug 2025
  • Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford Full Fight Card Revealed
    , Wed, 20 Aug 2025




  •  



     
    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
    © 2025 philboxing.com.