WBA Bantamweight World Champion Antonio Vargas Lands in Japan Ahead of Title Defense Against Daigo Higa
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 24 Jul 2025
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:
Pacman sets ‘Thrilla’ commemoration
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 31 Aug 2025Historic win for Paolo Gallito who edges Lee Van Cortez in the finals of the Efren "Bata" Reyes Yalin 10-Ball Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 31 Aug 2025"The Return" Weights from Detroit
Sun, 31 Aug 2025Efren Reyes Yalin 10-Ball Tourney: Corteza Faces Villafuerte in Finals
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 31 Aug 2025Martha Salazar: Stepping Out of Her Own Shadow
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 30 Aug 2025Laurente and Marapu Make Weight for IBF Regional Title; Gaballo Fights Tomorrow in Sanman Boxing Show in Gensan
Sat, 30 Aug 2025IM Christian Arca sweeps 10-game simultaneous chess in IIEE SMRC in Davao City
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 30 Aug 2025GOLDEN BOY PRESENTS “I’M SWEET” FEATURING GABRIELA “SWEET POISON” FUNDORA
Sat, 30 Aug 2025Traya, Bactol, De Barbo, Porres in Action in Highland Show in Thailand, live on DAZN
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 30 Aug 2025Bisutti, Panya Make Weight for UBO World Title in Highland Show on DAZN
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 30 Aug 2025Turki Alalshikh the most influential boxing leader in United Kingdom
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 30 Aug 2025Bambam will flight ‘clean & disciplined’ against Requito
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 30 Aug 2025Carlos Flowers Ready to Blossom on the World’s Stage at 2025 World Boxing Championships
Sat, 30 Aug 2025Traya eyes KO win against Thai tomorrow
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 29 Aug 2025Navarrete's Future in Question as He Resists Rematch with Charly Suarez
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 29 Aug 2025