The experts see a United States Olympian and titleholder who never broke through, standing across one of boxing’s pound-for-pound best, perceived to be a mere stepping stone for a Naoya Inoue super fight.

Vargas (19-1-1, 11 KOs) has risen from the canvas in three consecutive fights to outlast his opponents. The 29-year-old has never concerned himself with probability. He's seven years removed from a shocking first-round stoppage loss that got him released from his Top Rank contract and prompted thoughts of quitting the sport altogether.

In his personal life, Vargas avoided following his father's path. The elder Vargas was part of the Crips gang and sold drugs in Houston before moving the family to Florida to start a new life. The nine-year pro has also dealt with tragedy by enduring the death of his mother last year, further stalling planned fights.

As fight night approaches against Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KOs) at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona exclusively live on DAZN, the +1100 underdog carries conviction no matter how impossible the task.

“I've prepared my whole life for this moment. I've done everything that I can do in training camp,” Vargas told The Ring while wearing a sleeveless shirt that has “God's Soldier” written across it.

Vargas will need almighty powers to pitch a perfect game for 36 minutes to get past Rodriguez.

“There are a couple of things I've seen that I think I can take advantage of during the fight. I'll be able to see more of the openings as the fight goes on,” said Vargas, who is trained by his father-in-law, Doel Montes.

“Neutralizing him is all about timing, punch placements, and landing the cleaner shots while catching him on the exchanges. Every fighter has a different rhythm and timing so as the rounds go by, it will be a little easier to figure out his style. He's definitely a unique fighter. He likes to shift and use angles more than other fighters, so that's what I've been training for.”

Vargas realizes he needs to rock Rodriguez to have a shot at scoring what could undoubtedly be the Upset of the Year.

“I believe I need to get at least a couple of knockdowns to solidify a win or stop him to win this fight,” he said. “If it's a close fight, they're probably going to give it to him.”

Rodriguez, a former 112- and 115-pound unified champion, has knocked out his last five opponents, and Vargas has been dropped in his last three fights. That could be a recipe for disaster.

“I was actually thinking about it – out of the other champions he could have fought, he picked me,” Vargas said. “I don't know if he thinks I'm the easiest or the hardest.”

Vargas, a Puerto Rican living in Kissimmee, Florida, an Orlando suburb, has revived his career fighting almost exclusively in the Sunshine State under Amaury Piedra's Boxlab Promotions banner. He’s unbeaten in his last 11 fights.

“When I took the loss, I wanted to quit and not box anymore,” Vargas said. “I wasn't making much and took some time off. But I thought about all of the years my parents invested in me and I couldn't let that go to waste. It was one of the hardest things I had to get through in my life.”

Vargas is satisfied to be labeled a world champion, but his status as a beltholder requires examination and explanation.

He won the interim WBA 118-pound title in December 2024 by surviving a knockdown to stop Winston Guerrero in 10 rounds. Vargas was elevated to full WBA champion status in May 2025 as the injured Seiya Tsutsumi was downgraded to the champion in recess.

In July, Vargas scored a dramatic 12th-round knockdown of Daigo Higa to ensure he walked away with a unanimous draw after getting dropped himself in the fourth.

By December, Tsutsumi returned and beat Noniro Donaire by decision rather than a planned fight with Vargas, who was dealing with his mother's death. So they swapped titles.

Now, as the WBA has historically done by muddying waters with multiple champions across divisions, it did so again on May 31 by labeling Tsutsumi a champion in recess due to injury, and Vargas the full titleholder.

The sanctioning body’s semantics and musical chairs mean that Rodriguez, No. 4 on The Ring's pound-for-pound list, would solidify his standing as a three-division champion if he beats Vargas.

“It definitely motivates me. I've been the underdog many times throughout my career,” Vargas said.

“This is what I need to show people who I am. Having a victory over this kid will put me in a position to fight Inoue and open up other doors for me. After I get the win, it will be the beginning of bigger fights to come.”

Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan