Rey Vargas

Rey Vargas
Born
Rey Geovani Vargas Roldán

(1990-11-25) November 25, 1990 (age 33)
Otumba, Mexico
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 10 in (178 cm)[1]
Reach71+1⁄2 in (182 cm)[1]
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights38
Wins36
Wins by KO22
Losses1
Draws1

Rey Geovani Vargas Roldán (born November 25, 1990) is a Mexican professional boxer. He is a world champion in two weight classes, having held the WBC featherweight title since 2022 and the WBC super bantamweight title from 2017 to 2020.

Amateur career

Vargas won 7 national championships in Mexico as an amateur, as well as a gold medal in the 2009 Panamerican Championships.[2] He competed in the 2009 World Championships but was defeated by Luke Campbell in the first round.[3]

Professional career

Early career

Vargas debuted as a professional in May 2010. He won the IBF Youth title in his 11th fight. Vargas won 15 of his first 16 fights by way of knockout. The first fighter to go the distance with him since his second fight was Yuki Murai. In March 2014, Vargas was knocked down for the first time against Sylvester Lopez. Vargas went down in round 2 but won the bout after Lopez suffered an injury and was unable to continue. The two rematched on November of that same year, Vargas won the second fight with a round 8 TKO.[4] Vargas went down once again in round 2 of an eight-round fight against Lucian González, after an overhand right. Vargas was able to survive and get the unanimous decision (78-73, 78–74, 77-75).[5]

In June 2016, Vargas won a shut-out unanimous decision (120-108, 120–108, 120-108) over Alexis Kabore. With the win, Vargas became the mandatory challenger to the WBC's super bantamweight titlist, Hugo Ruiz.[6] In September 2016, Vargas defeated former WBA super flyweight champion Alexander Muñoz with a 5th-round TKO. Muñoz went down four times until the referee finally stopped the contest.[7]

WBC super bantamweight champion

Vargas vs. McDonnell

On 25 February 2017, he faced Gavin McDonnell for the vacant WBC super bantamweight title.[8] The title fight took place in Hull, England.[9] Vargas established control of the fight early on, using his length and head movement to keep the hometown fighter at bay, while landing short combinations. McDonnell attempted to rally back during the later rounds, but he was ultimately unable to turn the scorecards around. Vargas won a majority decision (117-111, 116–112, 114-114) to become a world champion.[10]

Vargas vs. Rios

Vargas' first defense would come on the Cotto-Kamegai undercard at the StubHub Center, against Ronny Rios. Vargas was also able to out-box Rios, controlling the bout by fighting at range. Vargas won via unanimous decision (118-110, 118–110, 115-113).[11] Vargas made a second defense against Oscar Negrete in another Miguel Cotto undercard, in this case his farewell bout against Sadam Ali. The match was in December 2017 at Madison Square Garden, and was televised on HBO. Vargas was cut twice by headbutts but used his length effectively to cruise to a wide unanimous decision (119-109, 119–109, 120-108).[12]

Vargas vs. Negrete

Vargas made his second title defense against the WBC–NABF bantamweight champion Oscar Negrete, who moved up a weight class in order to challenge Vargas. The bout was scheduled as to co-main event to the Miguel Cotto and Sadam Ali WBO super welterweight title fight. It took place at the Madison Square Garden in New York City on 2 December 2017 and was broadcast by Showtime.[13] On 24 November, Vargas' head trainer Ignacio Beristáin revealed it would be their last fight together, as they agreed to part ways afterwards.[14] Vargas won the fight by a wide unanimous decision. Two of the judges scored the fight 119–109 for him, while the third judge scored it 120–108 in his favor. Vargas was cut above each eye, with one cut happening due to an accidental headbutt in the seventh round, while the second cut came about for the same reason in the eight round.[15]

Vargas vs. Hovhannisyan

Vargas made his third title defense against the twice-defeated Azat Hovhannisyan on 12 May 2018, at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Hovhannisyan was ranked #9 by the WBC at super bantamweight.[16] The fight was booked as the co-main event of a WBO super welterweight title fight, same as his previous defense, between Sadam Ali and Jaime Munguia.[17] He won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 116–112, 118–110 and 117–111. Vargas was once again cut by headbutts, once in the eight and once in the twelfth round.[18]

Vargas vs. Manzanilla

Vargas made his fourth title defense against the WBC Silver super bantamweight champion Franklin Manzanilla on 9 February 2019 at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California. It took place following a nine-month absence from the sport caused by a shoulder surgery, followed by a respiratory infection. Manzanilla was ranked #3 by the WBC at super bantamweight.[19] The bout served as the co-main event to the DAZN broadcast card headlined by a junior lightweight title fight between Alberto Machado and Andrew Cancio.[20] Vargas won the fight by unanimous decision, with all three judges awarding him a 117–110 scorecard. He sustained three different cuts from head clashes. Manzanilla was twice deducted a point for hitting on the break. Vargas landed 207 of 719 total punches (28.8%) while Manzanilla landed 93 of 581 total punches (16%).[21]

Vargas vs. Kameda

Vargas made his fifth title defense against the one-time WBO bantamweight champion Tomoki Kameda on 13 July 2019 at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Kameda had earned his right to challenge with a decision victory over Abigail Medina to capture the WBC interim super bantamweight championship.[22] The bout was headlined a DAZN broadcast card.[23] Vargas justified his role as the betting favorite,[24] as he won the fight by unanimous decision. All three judges scored the fight 117–110 in his favor. Vargas out-landed Kameda 173 to 133 in total punches, but only 122 to 120 in power punches.[25]

Featherweight

Vargas vs. Baez

On 13 August, the WBC declared Vargas their super bantamweight champion-in-recess, as he suffered a broken leg in training which left him unable to defend for the remainder of the year.[26] During this year, Vargas also departed from Golden Boy Promotions and signed with Premier Boxing Champions.[27] For his first fight under the PBC banner, Vargas was booked to face Leonardo Baez. The fight took place on 6 November 2021, on the Canelo Álvarez vs. Caleb Plant undercard.[28] He won the fight by unanimous decision, with one scorecard of 99–91 and two scorecards of 100–90.[29]

WBC featherweight champion

Vargas vs. Magsayo

On 9 March 2022, it was announced that Vargas would challenge the reigning WBC featherweight champion Mark Magsayo in what was the champion's first title defense.[30] Magsayo was ranked #2 by The Ring at featherweight.[31] The fight was officially announced for 9 July 2022. It headlined a It headlined a Showtime card which took place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.[32] Despite his role as the challenger, Vargas entered the fight as the favorite, with most odds-makers having him Magsayo a +105 underdog.[33] He won the fight by split decision. Two of the judges scored the fight 115–112 in his favor, while the third judge scored the bout 114–113 for Magsayo. Vargas was knocked down with a counter right in the ninth round, but his opponent failed to capitalize on it. He landed 196 of 687 total punches (29%) and 135 of 339 power punches (40%), compared to Magsayo's 132 total punches and 92 power punches.[34]

Vargas vs. Ball

On March 8, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Vargas retained his WBC featherweight title via split draw against Nick Ball.[35][36]

Super featherweight

Vargas vs. Foster

On 24 August 2022, Vargas received permission from the WBC to enter into negotiations for a title unification bout with the reigning WBA "Super" featherweight champion Léo Santa Cruz.[37] As Vargas and Santa Cruz failed to reach an agreement, Vargas was instead permitted by the WBC to move up a weight class and face O'Shaquie Foster for the vacant WBC super featherweight title.[38] The fight took place on 11 February 2023, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.[39] Vargas suffered the first loss of his professional career, as Foster won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 116–112, 117–111 and 119–109. He struggled to compete at his usual range and was only able to land 101 total punches through the twelve rounds, 43 less than Foster, and 66 power punches, 21 less than Foster.[40]

Professional boxing record

38 fights 36 wins 1 loss
By knockout 22 0
By decision 14 1
Draws 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
38 Draw 36–1–1 Nick Ball SD 12 8 Mar 2024 Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Retained WBC featherweight title
37 Loss 36–1 O'Shaquie Foster UD 12 11 Feb 2023 Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. For vacant WBC super featherweight title
36 Win 36–0 Mark Magsayo SD 12 9 Jul 2022 Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. Won WBC featherweight title
35 Win 35–0 Leonardo Baez UD 10 6 Nov 2021 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
34 Win 34–0 Tomoki Kameda UD 12 13 Jul 2019 Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California, U.S. Retained WBC super bantamweight title
33 Win 33–0 Franklin Manzanilla UD 12 9 Feb 2019 Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio, California, U.S. Retained WBC super bantamweight title
32 Win 32–0 Azat Hovhannisyan UD 12 12 May 2018 Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, New York, U.S. Retained WBC super bantamweight title
31 Win 31–0 Oscar Negrete UD 12 2 Dec 2017 Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, U.S. Retained WBC super bantamweight title
30 Win 30–0 Ronny Rios UD 12 26 Aug 2017 StubHub Center, Carson, California, U.S. Retained WBC super bantamweight title
29 Win 29–0 Gavin McDonnell MD 12 25 Feb 2017 Hull Arena, Hull, England Won vacant WBC super bantamweight title
28 Win 28–0 Alexander Muñoz TKO 5 (12), 2:22 3 Sep 2016 Deportivo Zaragoza, Atizapán, Mexico Won vacant WBC International Silver super bantamweight title
27 Win 27–0 Alexis Kabore UD 12 11 Jun 2016 Arena Coliseo, Mexico City, Mexico
26 Win 26–0 Christian Esquivel TKO 3 (8), 1:01 27 Feb 2016 Honda Center, Anaheim, California, U.S.
25 Win 25–0 Lucian González UD 8 5 Sep 2015 Feria de San Isidro, Metepec, Mexico
24 Win 24–0 Eduardo Mancito UD 10 23 May 2015 Feria de San Isidro, Metepec, Mexico
23 Win 23–0 Néstor Panigua TKO 2 (12), 1:17 24 Jan 2015 Centro de Convenciones, Ixtapa, Mexico Won vacant WBC International Silver super bantamweight title
22 Win 22–0 Sylvester Lopez TKO 8 (12), 2:12 1 Nov 2014 Arena Coliseo, Mexico City, Mexico Retained WBC Youth Silver super bantamweight title
21 Win 21–0 Daniel Ferreras TKO 2 (10) 23 Aug 2014 Convention Center Surman Villa de las Flores, Coacalco, Mexico Retained WBC Youth Silver super bantamweight title
20 Win 20–0 Vergel Nebran TKO 6 (10), 2:34 14 Jun 2014 Explanada Municipal, Tlalnepantla, Mexico Retained WBC Youth Silver super bantamweight title
19 Win 19–0 Sylvester Lopez RTD 7 (10) 15 Mar 2014 Estadio de Beisbol, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
18 Win 18–0 Ernie Sánchez UD 10 21 Dec 2013 Gimnasio Rodrigo M. Quevedo, Chihuahua, Mexico Retained WBC Youth Silver super bantamweight title
17 Win 17–0 Yuki Murai UD 10 26 Oct 2013 Deportivo Agustín Ramos Millán, Toluca, Mexico Won vacant WBC Youth Silver super bantamweight title
16 Win 16–0 Juanito Rubillar KO 4 (8), 2:58 24 Aug 2013 StubHub Center, Carson, California, U.S.
15 Win 15–0 Cecilio Santos KO 2 (10) 8 Jun 2013 Monumental Villa Charra, Tijuana, Mexico
14 Win 14–0 Seizo Kono TKO 3 (10), 2:22 27 Apr 2013 Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico Won vacant WBC Youth Intercontinental super bantamweight title
13 Win 13–0 Marcos Cárdenas TKO 5 (8), 1:41 22 Dec 2012 Auditorio Bicentenario, Morelia, Mexico
12 Win 12–0 Luis Lugo TKO 5 (10), 2:47 2 Jun 2012 Coliseo Olímpico de la UdeG, Guadalajara, Mexico
11 Win 11–0 Gabriel Aguillón TKO 1 (10), 1:17 25 Feb 2012 Coliseo Olímpico de la UdeG, Guadalajara, Mexico Won vacant IBF Youth super bantamweight title
10 Win 10–0 Rene Vázquez TKO 2 (6), 0:26 23 Jul 2011 Coliseo Olímpico de la UdeG, Guadalajara, Mexico
9 Win 9–0 Jorge Morales TKO 2 (6) 25 Mar 2011 Arena Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
8 Win 8–0 Mario Alberto García TKO 3 (8), 2:22 26 Feb 2011 Poliforum Zamna, Mérida, Mexico
7 Win 7–0 Jesus Santillan TKO 7 (8) 22 Jan 2011 Arena Neza, Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, Mexico
6 Win 6–0 Jorge Otocani Reynoso TKO 1 (6), 2:07 6 Nov 2010 Poliforum Zamna, Mérida, Mexico
5 Win 5–0 Fabian Ruiz KO 1 (6), 2:23 2 Oct 2010 Coliseo Olímpico de la UdeG, Guadalajara, Mexico
4 Win 4–0 Jose Luis Medellin TKO 2 (4) 4 Sep 2010 Arena Solidaridad, Monterrey, Mexico
3 Win 3–0 Juan Antonio Duque TKO 2 (4) 21 Aug 2010 Arena Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
2 Win 2–0 Hector Esnar Bobadilla UD 4 29 May 2010 Arena Tecate, Guadalajara, Mexico
1 Win 1–0 Claudio Palacios KO 1 (4) 10 Apr 2010 Palenque de la Feria, Durango, Mexico

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Showtime Championship Boxing tale of the tape prior to the Mark Magsayo fight.
  2. ^ "8.Panamerican Championships - Ciudad Mexico, Mexico - July 22-26 2009". amateur-boxing.strefa.pl. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  3. ^ "Amateur Boxing Sensation Campbell Competing At World Championships In Milan". saddoboxing.com. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  4. ^ "Rey Vargas Stops Lopez to Retain WBC Youth Crown".
  5. ^ "'Rey' Vargas Stays Perfect vs. Lucian Gonzalez | Fight Network". fightnetwork.com. Archived from the original on 2015-10-18.
  6. ^ "Rey Vargas venció a Alexis Kabore y se convirtió en el retador de Hugo Ruiz".
  7. ^ "Así noqueó Rey Vargas al venezolano Alexander Muñoz". 4 September 2016.
  8. ^ "Rey Vargas Decisions Gavin McDonnell, Captures WBC Title". boxingscene.
  9. ^ El Universal; Notimex: “México tiene nuevo campeón mundial de box: Rey Vargas” February 25, 2017. Retrieved March 16, 2017 (in Spanish).
  10. ^ "McDonnell loses world title challenge". BBC Sport.
  11. ^ "Rey Vargas outpoints Ronny Rios over 12 rounds". 26 August 2017.
  12. ^ "Rey Vargas beats Oscar Negrete, retains WBC belt". 2 December 2017.
  13. ^ Press Promotions Of The Town (29 November 2017). "Óscar Negrete: "If Vargas trusts himself, he will pay dearly"". soloboxeo.com. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  14. ^ Rivera, Miguel (24 November 2017). "Rey Vargas, Nacho Beristain Likely To Part Ways After Next Bout". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  15. ^ Songalia, Ryan (2 December 2017). "Rey Vargas Overcomes Bad Cuts To Outbox Oscar Negrete, Retain Junior Feather Belt". ringtv.com. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  16. ^ "Vargas vs Hovhannisyan - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets". Box.Live. Retrieved 2022-08-10.
  17. ^ Redaccion (30 April 2018). "Rey Vargas dedica su pelea a todo México". tudn.mx. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  18. ^ The Ring (12 May 2018). "Rey Vargas Outpoints Aggressive Azat Hovhannisyan In Spirited Brawl". ringtv.com. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  19. ^ "Vargas vs Manzanilla - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets". Box.Live. Retrieved 2022-08-10.
  20. ^ "Rey Vargas joins Machado-Cancio DAZN bill". standingeightcount.com. 4 January 2019. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  21. ^ Esco, Wil (10 February 2019). "Rey Vargas defends WBC title, outpoints Franklin Manzanilla". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  22. ^ Wainwright, Anson (12 November 2018). "Tomoki Kameda poised for world title shot after outpointing Abigail Medina in Tokyo". ringtv.com. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  23. ^ "Rey Vargas Vs Tomoki Kameda". asianboxing.info. 7 June 2019. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  24. ^ Palmer, Ian (11 July 2019). "Rey Vargas vs Tomoki Kameda Betting Odds and Prediction". sportsbetlistings.com. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  25. ^ Kim, Steve (14 July 2019). "Vargas beats Kameda by unanimous decision". espn.com. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  26. ^ Donovan, Jake (13 August 2020). "Roman-Payano, Castro-Diaz WBC Title Eliminators; Vargas Named Champion In Recess". boxingscene. Archived from the original on 5 August 2021. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  27. ^ Nam, Sean (12 January 2020). "Rey Vargas leaves Golden Boy for Premier Boxing Champions: report". boxingjunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  28. ^ Torres, David (2 October 2021). "Rey Vargas Quiere Volver En Pelea Por Título Pluma Contra Gary Russell, Tras Dos Años Inactivo". izquierdazo.com. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  29. ^ Campbell, Morgan (6 November 2021). "Pedigree wins out as Rey Vargas overcomes Leonardo Baez's diligence". The New York Times. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  30. ^ Stumberg, Patrick L. (9 March 2022). "Mark Magsayo vs Rey Vargas possible for July". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  31. ^ "Magsayo vs Vargas - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets". Box.Live. Retrieved 2022-08-10.
  32. ^ Stumberg, Patrick L. (25 April 2022). "Mark Magsayo vs Rey Vargas official for July 9th at the Alamodome". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  33. ^ Brookhouse, Brent (9 July 2022). "Mark Magsayo vs. Rey Vargas: Fight prediction, undercard, start time, odds, preview, Showtime Boxing". cbssports.com. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  34. ^ Wagenheim, Jeff (10 July 2022). "Rey Vargas dethrones Mark Magsayo via split decision for WBC featherweight title". espn.com. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  35. ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (8 March 2024). "Rey Vargas dropped twice, retains title against Nick Ball via split draw". FIGHTMAG.
  36. ^ Dixon, Tris (8 March 2024). "Nick Ball Deflated After Controversial Draw With Vargas". BoxingScene.com.
  37. ^ Donovan, Jake (24 August 2022). "WBA Permits Leo Santa Cruz, Leigh Wood To Enter Separate Featherweight Title Fights". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
  38. ^ Donovan, Jake (3 October 2022). "O'Shaquie Foster-Rey Vargas: WBC To Order Vacant 130-Pound Title Fight". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  39. ^ Coppinger, Mike (28 December 2022). "Sources: Vargas, Foster to meet for WBC junior lightweight title". espn.com. Retrieved 28 December 2022.
  40. ^ Christ, Scott (12 February 2023). "Vargas vs Foster full fight video highlights and results: O'Shaquie Foster beats Rey Vargas to claim first world title". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 12 February 2023.

External links

  • Boxing record for Rey Vargas from BoxRec (registration required)
  • Rey Vargas - Profile, News Archive & Current Rankings at Box.Live
Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Jaderes Padua 		WBC Youth Intercontinental
super bantamweight champion
April 27, 2013 – June 2013 		Vacant
Title next held by
Kittithat Ungsrivongs
Vacant
Title last held by
Fatiou Fassniou 		WBC International Silver
super bantamweight champion
January 24, 2015 – May 2015 		Vacant
Title next held by
Guillermo Rigondeaux
Vacant
Title last held by
Guillermo Rigondeaux 		WBC International Silver
super bantamweight champion
September 3, 2016 – January 2017
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Paulus Ambunda
Minor world boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Jeremy Parodi 		IBF Youth
super bantamweight champion
February 25, 2012 – June 2012 		Vacant
Title next held by
Kid Galahad
Vacant
Title last held by
Ray Perez 		WBC Youth Silver
super bantamweight champion
October 26, 2013 – December 2014 		Vacant
Title next held by
David Reyes Cota
Major world boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Hozumi Hasegawa 		WBC super bantamweight champion
February 25, 2017 – August 14, 2020
Stripped 		Vacant
Title next held by
Luis Nery
Preceded by WBC featherweight champion
July 9, 2022 – present 		Incumbent
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