Boxing News: Rey Vargas to Defend His WBC Featherweight Title on Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou Undercard, Opponent Revealed

It’s true. The protagonists form the heart of the tale. But without the supporting characters, the principal parts, like the solitary stars in the vast sky, would stand alone. On March 8, Anthony Joshua will face Francis Ngannou in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

However, as much as the narrative is about the two hulking heavyweights, there are other fights in the event with full potential to titillate every nook and cranny of the viewers’ hearts and minds. Among them, a particular battle stands out, boasting all the essential ingredients in the recipe for a truly delectable showdown. 33-year-old Rey Vargas would enter the ring to defend his WBC featherweight title for the first time. His opponent is an upcoming prodigy from Great Britain, Nick Ball.

A feathery clash across the pond: Rey Vargas vs. Nick Ball

Through its X/Twitter handle, International Boxing News shared, “VARGAS/BALL ON MARCH 8! @reyvargasbox will DEFEND his WBC Featherweight World title against WBC No.1 CONTENDER @nick_ball97 on #JoshuaNgannou on March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia! UNDER the RADAR… #VargasBall is a BANGER.“

The Mexico City-born boxer remained on an undefeated track until last year. However, on February 11, 2023, he suffered his first professional loss. O’Shaquie Foster defeated Vargas by a unanimous decision, as the latter came after his super featherweight belt.

At 5 feet and seven and a half inches, or 172 centimeters, Rey Vargas stands taller than his British adversary whose height reads 5 feet and two inches, or 157 centimeters. Not only that, the Mexican boxer boasts an experience that goes back over a decade. Commencing his professional career in 2010, he won his first world title in 2017, becoming the WBC super bantamweight champion. He defended it successfully for the next two years. Moving up to the featherweight division in 2021, he grabbed the championship belt on July 9, 2022.

Nick Ball, on the other hand, claimed his place as the title challenger after defeating Isaac Dogboe in November last year. The 26-year-old Liverpudlian remains unbeaten in his nineteen outings, with over half of the wins coming through knockouts.

The Other Add-Ons

Apart from the Vargas-Ball fight, ‘Knockout Chaos’ boasts other exciting line-ups as well. In a span of 12 months, Zhilei Zhang will be entering the ring for the third time on March 8. He will have to defend his WBO (interim) heavyweight title from the upcoming sensation Joseph Parker. The New Zealander stunned the world last month when he defeated much-fancied Deontay Wilder at the ‘Day of Reckoning’.

Then Tyson and Tommy Fury‘s brother, Roman Fury, will also enter the ring on one of the undercards. However, the name of his opponent is yet to be made available.

Read More: Boxing Rumors: Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou Could Make $70 Million in Just Fight Purse

Do you think Vargas would be able to thwart the young Briton’s challenge easily? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

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