WBA bantamweight champion Antonio Vargas (19-1, 11 KOs) has arrived in Japan ahead of his July 30th title defense against hometown hero and former flyweight champion Daigo Higa (23-3-2, 19 KOs). The twelve-round clash will take place at the historic Buntai Arena in Yokohama. The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN and on Matchroom’s social channels in the US and UK. The main event that night will see Kenshiro “Amazing Boy” Teraji (25-1 and 16 KOs) defending his WBC/WBA flyweight titles against Ricardo “Niño” Sandoval, who holds a record of 26-2 with 18 knockouts. The show is a world title triple-header as two-division champ Erick Rosa of the Dominican Republic defends his WBA 108-pound title against Kyosuke Takami.
Vargas, who is co-promoted with Boxlab Promotions and Matchroom Boxing, arrived with confidence, calm, and focused, 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.
