Antonio Vargas becomes WBA world bantamweight champion
Boxlab Promotions is proud to announce that Antonio Vargas has officially been elevated from WBA interim world bantamweight champion to WBA world champion following the World Boxing Association’s ruling.
The move comes after reigning champion Seiya Tsutsumi suffered an injury that will sideline him for several months, forcing the WBA to designate him as “Champion in Recess.”
This historic decision makes Vargas the first world champion to be crowned under the Boxlab Promotions banner, marking a significant milestone for both the fighter and the Florida-based promotional company.
“This is an unbelievable honour and a moment I’ll never forget,” said Vargas, who captured the WBA interim title by defeating previously unbeaten Winston “El Fantasma” Guerrero (22-1, 13 KOs) back in December of 2024.
“To be named WBA world champion is a dream come true. I’ve worked my whole life for this, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped me reach this point. “I also want to give all praise and glory to my lord and saviour Jesus Christ as without him none of this would be possible.”
Vargas, a former U.S. Olympian and standout in the professional ranks, expressed deep gratitude for his team stating… “This isn’t just my title — it belongs to my entire team. My trainers, my strength and conditioning coaches, my manager, and of course, my promoter Amaury Piedra and everyone at Boxlab Promotions. Without them, none of this would be possible.”
With championship gold now officially in his possession, Vargas is eager to keep proving himself among the elite. “The belt is just the beginning. I want to defend it, unify it, and keep challenging myself against the best in the division. I’m ready for what’s next, and I’m just getting started.”
Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, praised Vargas’s achievement and highlighted the significance for the company. “We couldn’t be prouder of Antonio. He’s been a consummate professional since day one and is everything you want in a world champion — disciplined, talented, and humble. This moment is not just a win for Antonio, it’s a landmark for Boxlab Promotions. He’s our first world champion, and we know it’s just the beginning of many more to come. We also want to send our best wishes to Seiya Tsutsumi for a full recovery. He’s a true warrior, and we hope to see him back in the ring soon.”