Boxing
Sparring with Teofimo Lopez Jr. boosted Emiliano Vargas' confidence enough to make this bold declaration
Moses vs Hrgovic: Watch only on DAZN PPV - Aug 29
Teofimo Lopez Jr. sparred with Emiliano Vargas in preparation for Saturday night’s clash against Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero.
Well, the 22-year-old Vargas gained enough confidence from the sessions to make the following bold declaration — that he’s ready to challenge WBO super lightweight world champion Shakur Stevenson for his title.
“Regardless, whatever is happening with Zuffa or his belt or whatever the case may be, that’s on him and his negotiations,” Vargas told DAZN at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he was present for the Romero vs. Lopez fight. “Anybody who’s in my way of becoming world champion, I want to fight next.
“Especially after sparring Teo and seeing where I’m at, I know I’m definitely ready for a world title,” he vowed. “The time is now. I know I just need the opportunity.”
The undefeated Vargas (18-0, 15 KOs) is currently ranked as the No. 1 contender to Stevenson’s title by the WBO. This past June, Vargas authored a fourth-round TKO of Bryce Mills to once again impress boxing fans and critics alike. He has already fought twice this year in continuing to build his fighting profile.
When names such as Oscar Duarte, Ernesto Mercado and Subriel Matias were broached by DAZN, Vargas sounded game to fight any of them. However, his ring work with Lopez boosted his confidence enough to say that he’d be ready for Stevenson if given the opportunity.
Despite exchanging jabs through the X social media platform, Stevenson and Devin Haney haven’t been able to come to terms for a possible mega fight.
Whether that gives a young star in the making like Vargas an opportunity to slide into that spot opposite of Stevenson remains to be seen. Stevenson nearly shut out Lopez to become the new WBO super lightweight titleholder this past January, prompting the latter to move up to welterweight.
