2016 U.S. Olympian Antonio Vargas has sigbed with Top Rank, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.
“We had a lot of offers from promoters from all over the world and we were considering several of them when Top Rank made their offer,” Vargas said. “It’s a dream come true to be signed by Top Rank.”
“My first couple of fights as a pro, if I can, I want to fight at 115 [pounds], get a little title shot, then move up to 118,” Vargas said. “But I’m growing. I remember in the amateurs, at the Olympics, making 114 was really hard for me. But if I can’t make 115, I’ll fight at 118 for my first couple of fights.”
“I like to bring the fight,” Vargas said of his style. “I can box — I can be nice — but I just love to throw punches and let the fans see a good fight. I’ve been working with my trainer, Tito Ocasio, the last couple of months now, since I came back from the Olympics. He’s more of a professional-style coach. He’s trained several world champions. I decided to train with him because he’s one of the best professional coaches in Florida right now.”
“Antonio is an extremely gifted amateur who will flourish in the pro ranks,” Top Rank’s Carl Moretti said. “Combine that with his popularity in the Central Florida region, where Top Rank will be promoting numerous shows with our partners All-Star Boxing, [and it] should catapult Antonio quickly as an attraction.”
“I’m extremely happy for Antonio to have this opportunity with Top Rank,” said Vargas’ manager, Dave McWater of Split T Management. “He’s worked his whole life to be the best, and in signing with Top Rank he is now with the best.”