World Boxing Champions Promotions
Antonio Vargas is unfazed by the odds—and fully confident that he will return home with his WBA bantamweight world title, even as bookmakers cast doubt on his chances.
The reigning 118-pound titleholder is preparing for his first title defense in hostile territory, as he travels to Japan to face former world champion Daigo Higa on July 30 at Yokohama Buntai in Yokohama. Despite holding the belt, Vargas enters the bout as the underdog, with oddsmakers favoring the hometown challenger.
Rather than being discouraged, Vargas welcomes the challenge of fighting abroad.
“Going into another man’s backyard just fires me up,” said Vargas, a 2016 U.S. Olympian based in Kissimmee, Florida. “I’ve been overlooked before, but now I get to defend my world title in Japan and show the fans what I’m made of.
“This isn’t just about boxing—it’s about belief, preparation, and heart. Those things travel wherever I go.”
Vargas carries a professional record of 19-1 (11 KOs), while Tokyo native Higa enters at 21-3-2 (19 KOs). Though Higa is favored, Vargas remains undeterred.
Vargas captured a version of the WBA bantamweight title with a tenth-round stoppage of unbeaten Winston Guerrero on December 13 at Caribe Royale in Orlando. The venue has been home to the majority of his recent fights, all promoted by Boxlab Promotions.
His status was later elevated to full WBA champion when previous titleholder Seiya Tsutsumi was sidelined by injury and unable to fulfill his mandatory defense.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Antonio,” said Boxlab Promotions president Amaury Piedra. “Defending a world title in Japan against a dangerous contender like Higa—that’s what true warriors do.”
The matchup carries an added layer of intrigue. Tsutsumi and Higa battled to a punishing 12-round draw earlier this year in Tokyo, a fight that indirectly set the stage for Vargas’ reign.
Higa, a former WBCP flyweight champion, has come close to bantamweight gold in recent outings, including a narrow loss to undefeated WBO champion Yoshiki Takei. His recent performances have convinced many observers that he is primed for another title run.
Vargas insists that his confidence stems from more than just preparation or momentum. The 28-year-old credits his faith as the foundation of his mindset.
“My relationship with Jesus Christ has kept me grounded and focused,” Vargas said. “I don’t walk into the ring alone—my faith walks in with me. That’s why I’m ready for anything.”
This bout marks Vargas’ first professional fight outside North America, though the change of scenery does not concern him. In fact, his lone career loss came at home—a first-round knockout defeat in Kissimmee in 2019.
Outside of two early-career bouts in Puerto Rico and Miami, Vargas has spent most of his career fighting in Central Florida. He believes destiny now calls for his biggest win to come abroad.
“I’m blessed to be in this position,” Vargas said. “Defending a world title in another country, on this kind of stage—it’s a dream. Winning this fight means legacy. It means reaching the elite level. And I’m coming to claim it.”
A victory in Yokohama would firmly establish Antonio Vargas as a true world-level force in the bantamweight division. Against a proven and dangerous opponent, the champion is determined to silence doubters and prove that his reign is just beginning.