Boxing

Antonio Vargas living his 'No Respect' mantra for WBA bantamweight title fight

DAZN

Published by DAZN Staff

9, Dec 24

Antonio Vargas living his 'No Respect' mantra for WBA bantamweight title fight

Watch Vargas vs. Guerrero on Saturday live on DAZN

This Saturday (December 14), Antonio "No Respect" Vargas steps into the ring against Winston Guerrero for the interim WBA bantamweight title. The fight, set to air on DAZN, promises to be a thrilling clash of styles and ambitions.

Before the opening bell rings, DAZN News takes a closer look at Vargas, his career, and what makes him a contender for the bantamweight crown.

The early days

Antonio Vargas was born and raised in Kissimmee, Florida, where he discovered his love for boxing at a young age.

From his early teens, Vargas displayed exceptional talent and dedication, quickly rising through the amateur ranks.

His natural speed, sharp reflexes, and aggressive style earned him the nickname "No Respect," reflecting his fearless approach in the ring. As a youngster he stood back to nobody.

Olympic experience

Vargas’s amateur career reached its pinnacle when he represented the United States at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the flyweight division.

Though he fell short of medalling, the experience was invaluable, showcasing his skills on a global stage and setting the foundation for his professional career.

Transition to the pros

Vargas turned professional in 2017, signing with Top Rank Promotions. He quickly made a name for himself with a string of dominant performances, combining technical precision with relentless pressure.

His early professional fights highlighted his versatility, capable of outboxing opponents from range or overwhelming them with inside fighting.

Vargas is neither a southpaw nor an orthodox fighter, describing himself as ambidextrous.

A rising star in the bantamweight division

As Vargas moved up to bantamweight, he faced tougher competition but continued to impress.

His record 17 wins, a loss and one no contest (nine KO's) speaks to his growing power and adaptability in the ring.

His lone loss came in a hard-fought contest in May 2019 against Jose Maria Cardenas, a result which Vargas used as a learning moment, using the experience to refine his skills and bounce back stronger.

Read next | Winston Guerrero - the Ghost who’s ready for glory

Fighting style and strengths

Vargas is known for his explosive combinations and his ability to dictate the pace of a fight. His footwork allows him to close the distance quickly, while his sharp counterpunching punishes opponents who overcommit.

With a high ring IQ and persistent determination, Vargas is a formidable opponent for anyone in the bantamweight division.

At 28-years-old he is coming into his prime.

The Road to Friday’s fight

Saturday’s bout against Winston Guerrero represents the biggest opportunity of Vargas’s career so far. Guerrero, a skilled and durable fighter, will test Vargas’s ability to perform under pressure in a title-setting environment.

Vargas’s team has emphasized his readiness, citing improvements in conditioning and strategy ahead of the fight.

What is at stake?

A win would catapult Vargas into the upper echelon of the bantamweight division, making him a contender for the full WBA title. It is not just about the belt—this fight is Vargas’s chance to showcase his talent on a global stage and to prove that 'No Respect' is not just a nickname; it is a mindset that can drive him to greatness.

Watch Antonio Vargas vs. Winston Guerrero live on DAZN

Antonio Vargas vs. Winston Guerrero (Most Valuable Promotions)

Watch Antonio Vargas vs. Winston Guerrero and the whole fight card live on DAZN. You can watch with a DAZN subscription.

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