Antonio Vargas Outslugs Winston Guerrero in Ten Rounds

Bantamweight contender Antonio Vargas of Kissimmee, Florida (18-2, 11 KOs) overcame an early knockdown for the second fight in a row to stop challenger Winston “El Fantasma” Guerrero of Nicaragua (22-1, 13 KOs) in ten rounds Friday in the Most Valuable Promotions Prospects 10 card at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida

The win gave Vargas the WBA interim title. It also retained his status as the mandatory challenger for full WBA World Bantamweight champion Seiya Tsutsumi of Japan, a fight Vargas has long wanted to make happen.

Antonio Vargas finally won the title he’s been waiting for on Friday. Photo: Ed Mulholland, MVP

“My dream is to become a champion, an undisputed champion at 118. I want to take over the division. All the champions are in Japan right now, so I’ve been waiting to go over there and start dethroning them and bringing the belts back to America. That’s my next step,” said Vargas after his victory.

Antonio Vargas Plays With Fire – Again

It seemed Vargas would make it an early night. He scored a knockdown in the first round against Guerrero with a three-punch combination ending in a snapping left hook, his money punch. Fortunately for Guerrero, it was near the end of the round.

In the following round, Guerrero returned the favor. He caught Vargas dropping his left hand, and landed a perfect right hook. The hard shot sat Vargas down. He got up but was on unsteady legs for the rest of the second round, having to hold and survive.

With his wits gathered, the fight continued as both Vargas and Guerrero traded shots. The Nicaraguan fighter tried to capitalize on the damage done, but Vargas was determined to achieve his goal. He’s gotten used to fighting from behind, and knows thanks to his comeback against Jonathan Rodriguez in his last fight, he can do it.

Antonio Vargas considers his left hook his money punch. Photo: Ed Mulholland, MVP

The pair continued to trade shots, but Vargas’s superior skills, along with targeting Guerrero’s body, eventually wore his opponent down. In round ten, Vargas pinned Guerrero along the ropes and landed two hard right hands. Guerrero could have been called for the knockdown with the ropes holding him up. But it didn’t matter. Guerrero stayed on his feet but was so damaged his corner threw in the towel at 1:10 of round ten.

Vargas can book a trip to Japan for 2025. But he needs to stop playing with fire and trading shots, leaving himself open for damaging counterpunches. It makes for fun fights for the fans, but shortens careers ,

In the co-main event, MVP influencer fighter Javon “Wanna” Walton of Atlanta (2-0-1) won a decision over Erik Hanley of Rancho Cordova, California (1-2, 1 KO). Walton, age 18, is an actor best known for his role on the HBO series “Euphoria,” but who pursued amateur boxing before acting. Walton draws fans and his family was in Florida ringside cheering him on.

Pero Punishes Burns

Dainier Pero blew through Winston Burns in a single round Friday. Photo: MVP

Cuban Olympic heavyweight Dainier Pero (10-0, 8 KOs) wasn’t in the ring long, but the fans didn’t care. They were treated to a pair of wicked knockdowns by Pero against Walter Burns of Michigan (8-3, 6 KOs), ending in a first-round stoppage. Pero wins the vacant WBA Continental USA heavyweight title.

Pero landed a thudding left hand in George Foreman style 30 seconds into the round, dropping Burns. To his credit, Burns got to his feet and continued to engage for as long as the fight lasted. It wasn’t long. Two minutes later, Burns went down again on a hard right hook, rocking and falling sideways. He got to his feet, but the referee had seen enough.

Dainier Pero is a problem for anyone in the heavyweight division. Photo: MVP

Pero says he wants to fight his former amateur foe, Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr., who defeated him. Keep your eye on this Bob Santos-trained prospect in 2025.

Hovhannisyan Gets Majority Decision Over Mailata

Gurgen “Big Gug” Hovhannisyan of Armenia (7-0, 6 KOs) had to walk through a little fire from Patrick Mailata of Samoa (6-3, 3 KOs) to win an eight-round majority decision. Mailata came close to knocking down “Big Gug” in the sixth round, but Hovhannisyan survived to win the fight. Hovhannisyan and trainer Joe Goossen will have some things to work on in the gym.

Thibeault Wins Pro Debut

Canadian Olympian and amateur champion Tammara “Tamm” Thibeault (1-0) won her professional debut against fellow Canadian Natasha “The Nightmare” Spence (8-7-2, 6 KOs) in a four-round super middleweight bout. The women asked for and fought four three-minute rounds. Seven-division champion Amanda Serrano and Hall of Fame great Christy Martin were both on hand to cheer the women on.