TODAY in Japan, Daigo Higa continued his quest for a bantamweight world title but was once again left wanting, following a unanimous draw against reigning WBA titlist Antonio Vargas.
A former WBC flyweight world champion, Higa (21-3-3, 19 KOs) previously lost a razor-thin decision to Yoshiki Takei when challenging for the WBO bantamweight title in September.
Just five months later, he rematched Seiya Tsutsumi for the WBA strap at 118lbs, four-and-a-half years on from their 2020 draw, only for their gruelling second encounter to end in the same way.
Now in his third straight attempt to claim bantamweight honours, Higa once again fought for the WBA title, this time against Texas’ Antonio Vargas (19-1-1, 11 KOs), who had been upgraded to full world champion after an injured Tsutsumi was stripped of the belt in May.
For Vargas, today’s first defence offered the chance to silence his doubters and fight in unfamiliar territory, having boxed exclusively at the Caribe Royale in Orlando for his last eight outings, and having been dropped early in his most recent two.
In Tokyo, while Vargas was likely relieved to have made a strong start and arguably claimed the opening three rounds, a devastating left hook from Higa floored him hard in the fourth.
Still, perhaps due to recent experience with the canvas, Vargas appeared unfazed and recovered quickly – not only surviving the remainder of the round but also beginning to rediscover his rhythm.
From there, although Vargas remained competitive, Higa’s confidence grew and his aggression increased. He adopted a more assertive approach, throwing frequent combinations and visibly troubling Vargas at times. By the later rounds, the Japanese favourite was clearly taking over, with most of the champion’s punches landing on Higa’s gloves.
However, in the final round, Vargas produced a dramatic turnaround. A disguised uppercut followed by a sharp left hook sent Higa to the canvas with just seconds remaining – a moment that proved crucial.
On the scorecards, all three judges ruled the bout a 113-113 draw, meaning Vargas successfully retained his WBA bantamweight title. For Higa, it was the narrowest of misses – his closest margin yet – undone by a single lapse in concentration.
In the aftermath, Vargas expressed interest in facing Seiya Tsutsumi, who remains the WBA’s “champion in recess.” That bout is expected to take place before the end of the year.
