Thrilling Draw at BUNTAI Arena
In a thrilling display of skill and perseverance, WBA Bantamweight World Champion Antonio Vargas fought to a memorable draw against local hero Daigo Higa at the BUNTAI Arena. The match, streamed live on DAZN, highlighted Vargas’s tenacity as he fought through significant early adversity.
Resilience in Adversity
Vargas (19-1-1, 11 KOs), who is co-promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Boxlab Promotions, faced a challenging moment in the fourth round when he was knocked down by Higa’s powerful left hook. Instead of succumbing to the pressure, Vargas demonstrated remarkable resilience, turning the setback into motivation.
“Getting dropped lit a fire in me,” he reflected. “I knew I had to focus on winning the rest of the round and every round to follow. Champions don’t fold, we fight back.”
Strategic Comeback
From round five to the tenth, Vargas maintained a disciplined strategy, continually advancing and keeping his composure despite the electrifying atmosphere created by the Japanese crowd.
“I stayed locked in. It wasn’t about showboating; it was about sticking to my game plan. I kept my head down, utilized my jab, worked on the inside, and remained calm,” Vargas recounted.
Climactic Finish
The climax of the bout came in the final round. With just over a minute remaining, Vargas landed a precise right uppercut, sending Higa crashing to the canvas.
“I dug deep and left it all out there,” Vargas stated, signifying that the knockdown was not merely a pivotal point in the match but also a declaration of his ability to dominate. “That was my statement moment; it was what kept my belt around my waist. All glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the contest being declared a draw, Vargas’s late knockdown earned him the necessary edge to retain his championship title and garnered admiration from boxing fans worldwide. Boxlab Promotions President Amaury Piedra praised Vargas’s determination, noting,
“He showcased what it takes to be a champion. Heading into enemy territory, experiencing a knockdown, and coming back to assert himself takes extraordinary courage—he proved he belongs among the best bantamweights globally. The title remains with Team Vargas.”
Looking ahead, Vargas expressed confidence in his next steps, stating,
“I’ll leave that to my team, and we’ll decide whether it’ll be a title defense or an unification match. I’ll be prepared!”
