Antonio Vargas, the recently crowned WBA bantamweight titleholder, had a long road to winning a title. He had to overcome a knockout loss early in his career to rebuild into a belt holder.
Vargas defeated Winston Guerrero in December by a 10th-round knockout to win the interim WBA bantamweight title. BoxingScene reported yesterday that the WBA recently made Seiya Tsutsumi the WBA champion-in-recess and elevated Vargas to the outright champion.
In 2019, Vargas, 19-1 (11 KOs), was knocked out by lesser-known regional fighter Jose Maria Cardenas in the first round in his hometown of Kissimmee, Florida. Vargas, a 2016 U.S. Olympian, suffered the agonizing defeat but rebuilt himself on BoxLab Promotions' card starting in 2022. The activity led to his previous bout, which allowed him to accomplish a lifelong dream.
"Being named the WBA world bantamweight champion is a huge honor and something I’ve dreamed of since I first laced up a pair of gloves,” Vargas told BoxingScene. “I have nothing but respect for Seiya Tsutsumi and I wish him a full and speedy recovery. I know what it means to fight through adversity, and I’ll be ready when the time comes to face him in the ring.”
This moment has been a special one for Amuary Piedra, CEO of BoxLab Promotions.
“He’s our first world champion and as a company, we are exceptionally excited for our future with Vargas leading the way,” Piedra told BoxingScene. “This moment is a testament to his discipline, his resilience, and his unwavering commitment to the sport.”
Vargas credited BoxLab Promotions and his religion for his way to get to this point.
“BoxLab has been behind me from the start, and I’m proud to represent them as a world champion,” Vargas said. "I also want to give all praise and glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, because, without Him, none of this would be possible.
"This title is not just mine — it belongs to my team,” Vargas, 28, added. “I’m grateful to my coaches, my strength and conditioning staff, and everyone who’s helped me get to this point. We’ve put in countless hours in the gym, and now it’s all paying off.”
Now comes the waiting game.
Vargas is eager to consolidate the WBA title against Tsutsumi, 12-0-3 (8 KOs), a 29-year-old from Tokyo, Japan, but also wants to challenge the best. Tsutsumi last fought in February to a draw with Daigo Higa, the second draw Tsutsumi has in his career against Higa. Before that fight, he captured the title by dethroning Takuma Inoue, the brother of Naoya Inoue. Vargas isn’t just focused on Tsutsumi as he eyes consequential fights in the future.
“Unfortunately, Seiya Tsutsumi is sidelined with an injury, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery,” Piedra said. “He’s a great champion, and we look forward to seeing him return healthy and strong. In the meantime, Antonio is ready to carry the division forward.”
"Now that I’ve reached this level, the real work begins,” Vargas said. “I’m focused, motivated, and I’m ready to prove I’m the best bantamweight in the world.”
Piedra noted that Vargas had always behaved like a champion before earning the title. “The goal has always been to win a world title,” he said. “Now the mission is to defend it and unify,” Piedra shared.