LAS VEGAS — Rising boxing star Emiliano Vargas, who turned 21 on April 16, is making waves in Las Vegas — both in and out of the ring. To celebrate his birthday, Resorts World lit up its exterior with Vargas’ image, highlighting his growing status as a second-generation fighter with major potential.
Vargas (13-0, 11 KOs), the son of former two-time junior middleweight champion Fernando Vargas, will return to the ring on Sunday at T-Mobile Arena, facing Juan Leon (11-2-1, 2 KOs) on the undercard of Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas. The bout will stream live on ESPN+.
“Every fight is a coming-out party for me,” Vargas told The Ring ahead of the Cinco de Mayo weekend fight. “My job is to keep people watching — and the knockouts are helping. My goal is to reach fans who don’t even follow boxing.” 
With only 38 rounds under his belt as a pro, Vargas is looking to stay active. Just five weeks ago, he stopped Giovannie Gonzalez in two rounds. Now he’s back, embracing the momentum.
“I’m fighting more than a toxic couple,” Vargas joked. “Top Rank is keeping me busy, and I love it. Fighting in Las Vegas, or ‘Los Vargas, Nevada’ as I call it, is perfect for me.”
Top Rank has begun positioning Vargas for stardom, promoting him with press events in Mexico and promising him co-main event slots in the near future.
Despite the fame and temptations of Las Vegas, Vargas is determined to avoid the pitfalls that once challenged his father. He doesn’t drink and says he’s learned from watching Fernando battle — and eventually overcome — alcoholism.
“My father struggled with addiction, and I saw the good and bad in that. But he broke the cycle, and I respect him for it,” said Emiliano. “I know I have an addictive personality too — but I channel it into boxing. I’m all in.”
Fernando, who now trains his son, couldn’t be prouder. “He’s me, if I had never touched alcohol,” he said. “He’s dedicated, focused, and I’m proud to be by his side.”
Emiliano plans to remain in the 140-pound division through 2027, with his eyes firmly set on a world championship.
“I believe in my talent, and I know I’ll get there,” Vargas said. “It’s not just a dream — it’s my destiny.”
