Emiliano Vargas says he is prepared to challenge Shakur Stevenson, although his climb to the WBO’s No. 1 position has come without a victory over a world-level light welterweight.
The 22-year-old son of former 154-pound world champion Fernando Vargas stopped Bryce Mills in four rounds in June. Before that, he defeated Agustin Ezequiel Quintana, Jonathan Montrel, Alexander Espinoza, Juan Leon, and Giovannie Gonzalez. Those victories allowed Vargas to collect three regional belts. None of the opponents established him as the leading challenger to Shakur.
“I’m a fighter. I’d want to fight him tomorrow. But at the end of the day, we’ve got to see what’s going on, if he’s going to continue with the belt or relinquish it because of the fact that he’s with Zuffa now. I think it’s the time for me to fight for a world title,” said Emiliano to Sean Zittel.
Recent sparring with Teofimo Lopez convinced Vargas that he can compete at championship level. He also referred to previous work with Jorge Linares as another source of confidence.
Gym sessions with accomplished fighters can help his development, but they do not answer the questions created by his matchmaking. Headgear, larger gloves, and controlled rounds cannot reproduce the consequences of facing a rival intent on taking his position.
Ernesto “Tito” Mercado has repeatedly called for a fight with Vargas. Mercado publicly identified him as one of the opponents he wanted as recently as June, when Vargas was ranked No. 2 by the WBO. Vargas did not mention Mercado by name while declaring that he would face anyone in the top 10.
Facing Mercado would provide the type of test Vargas needs before challenging Shakur. His power and pressure would examine the young fighter in ways Bryce Mills and Agustin Ezequiel Quintana did not. A fight with Shakur would be an even greater leap. Vargas has not faced anyone possessing his speed, defensive ability, timing, or championship experience. Shakur would receive heavy criticism from fans if he selected Vargas as his next opponent. At 22, Vargas has been positioned for a title fight without defeating a leading light welterweight. His WBO ranking would not prevent the matchup from being viewed as another favorable choice.
The reaction would be stronger after Shakur demanded a 144-pound catchweight for a proposed fight with Devin Haney, a condition that helped sink those negotiations. Following that breakdown, fans would expect him to face an established 140-pounder or a major opponent moving up from lightweight.
Without beating Mercado or another leading contender, Vargas would look undeserving of a title fight after facing someone at Bryce Mills’ level. The WBO ranking places Vargas within reach of the champion. His opposition has not shown that he belongs there.
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Last Updated on 2026/08/21 at 7:53 PM
