Philippines, 03 Jun 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Antonio Vargas Makes Weight, Set to Carry the USA Flag into World Title Showdown Against Daigo Higa in Japan

PhilBoxing.com





YOKOHAMA, JAPAN (July 29, 2025) – WBA Bantamweight World Champion Antonio Vargas (19-1, 11 KOs), co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Matchroom Boxing, has officially made weight for his highly anticipated world title defense against Japan’s #2-ranked contender Daigo Higa (23-3-2, 19 KOs).

The 12-round title fight will go down at the well-known BUNTAI Arena in Yokohama, Japan, setting the scene for a tough battle in the heart of Higa’s home country. Fans in the US and UK can catch all the action live on DAZN and Matchroom’s social media channels starting at 5:30 am ET / 2:30 am PT.

Vargas, who tipped the scales at the bantamweight limit of 117.1 lbs., looked sharp and focused at the official weigh-in as he prepares to defend his title for the first time since claiming the WBA crown. His opponent Daigo Higa tipped the scale at 117.8 lbs. "Making weight is part of the discipline," said Vargas. "I’ve had a focused camp and feel great. The hard work is done, and now it’s time to put on a show."

The 28-year-old champion, a proud native of Kissimmee, Florida, remains confident and composed heading into the toughest test of his career against the hard-hitting Higa, a former world champion with an aggressive, high-pressure style. "I’m ready—mentally, physically, and spiritually," Vargas continued. "Defending this title means everything to me. I’ve earned it, and I plan on showing why I’m the best in the division."



This world title clash holds more than personal significance for Vargas. As a 2016 U.S. Olympian and one of the country’s top bantamweights, he views this fight as a chance to represent more than himself. "I fight with pride every time I step into that ring," Vargas declared. "This title is for my family, my team, and for the USA. I’m carrying the flag into battle, and I’m ready to stand tall."




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Dagestan rivalry set to ignite Moscow: Khalidov and Yallyev clash on stacked IBA PRO 19 card
    , Wed, 03 Jun 2026
  • Deep Waters rules inaugural WR Bughouse Championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 02 Jun 2026
  • HE TURKI ALALSHIKH: 'AJ vs PRENGA IN JEDDAH REINFORCES SAUDI ARABIA'S POSITION AS DESTINATION FOR WORLD'S LEADING EVENTS'
    , Tue, 02 Jun 2026
  • ANTHONY JOSHUA VS KRISTIAN PRENGA TO TAKE PLACE IN JEDDAH ON JULY 25 – LIVE ON DAZN – AS HEAVYWEIGHTS FACE-OFF IN LONDON
    , Tue, 02 Jun 2026
  • Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki Gets a kick out of British sports fans
    , Tue, 02 Jun 2026
  • GUSTAVO TRUJILLO CONTINUES HEAVYWEIGHT ASCENT WITH DEVASTATING FIRST-ROUND TKO
    , Mon, 01 Jun 2026
  • Boxing Insider Promotions Brings Regional Card to Tropicana Atlantic City on Saturday, June 13
    , Mon, 01 Jun 2026
  • Chess, in whatever form, is a great equalizer
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 01 Jun 2026
  • UNBEATEN CRIZTIAN PITT LAURENTE RETURNS TO FACE JING AGUAN IN A LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT HEADLINING SANMAN 101
    , Mon, 01 Jun 2026
  • Lebosada, Sia rule DSA Open golf
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 01 Jun 2026
  • Davao Chess Eagles in FIDE World Team Rapid & Blitz in Hong Kong
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 01 Jun 2026
  • Pido retains crown, Pulleda wins
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 01 Jun 2026
  • Juarez defeats Valle by split decision to retain WBC belt in El Paso,Texas
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 31 May 2026
  • Jose Sulaiman's 95th birthday is being celebrated with events around the world
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 31 May 2026
  • Filipino referee Danrex Tapdasan is now one of the IBF board of directors
    , Sun, 31 May 2026
  • Cavite Inter-Town Chess Tournament gets underway
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 31 May 2026
  • Lieutenant Delfin Boholst: Soldier, Boxing Coach, Mentor
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Sat, 30 May 2026
  • O’Shaquie Foster vs Raymond Ford: Bad Blood Equals Good Fight
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 30 May 2026
  • WBC Issues Rules Clarification for Designating David Benavidez Mandatory Challenger to Noel Mikaelian External Inbox Andre Courtemanche -- Big Media Buzz
    , Sat, 30 May 2026
  • FOSTER VS. FORD – WEIGHTS AND THE FINAL WORD AHEAD OF TOMORROW NIGHT’S ACTION
    , Sat, 30 May 2026
  • AWE to Air Live the WBC World Title Rematch of Kevin Lerena v. Ryad Merhy this Saturday
    , Sat, 30 May 2026
  • Juego Todo exists in two powerful dimensions
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 30 May 2026
  • ‘The Homecoming’ Postponed in Vancouver
    , Sat, 30 May 2026
  • Pound-for-Pound Puerto Rican Champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo to Defend Unified WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Minimumweight World Titles Against the Philippines’ Joey Canoy
    , Sat, 30 May 2026
  • Canoy now trains at MP Davao for Collazo's fight
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 30 May 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.