Star Boxing has located a replacement opponent to preserve an undefeated vs. undefeated showdown in New York City's on Friday. Long Island’s Alex Vargas (14-0, 5 KOs) will now face Chicago's Rani Jalomo (7-0-1, 4 KOs) on the Most Valuable Promotions show at the Infosys Theater in Madison Square Garden. Originally scheduled to face Ryan O’Rourke, Vargas will now face off with Jalomo, as Star Boxing has preserved a "someone's 0 has to go" junior welterweight showdown. Vargas and Jalomo will square off on one of boxing’s biggest stages as part of MVPW 02, which will air on ESPN platforms. Be sure to tune into ESPN+ around 8:30 PM for the Vargas v. Jalomo fight.

 

For Star Boxing, the seamless late adjustment is an example of the promotion’s ability to deliver under pressure. Earlier this year, Wendy Toussaint was secured as a last-minute addition at Madison Square Garden to fight Austin Williams after WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames missed weight, preserving a major fight night on short notice..

 

Vargas (14-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of Bellport, New York, enters with hometown support and a major opportunity to shine in front of a New York crowd. “I’ve been doubted my entire career, but that’s what motivated me,” said Vargas. “Fighting at Madison Square Garden is a dream, and on Friday night I’m going to prove I belong here.”

 

“This is what Star Boxing is all about - developing elite talent, overcoming challenges, and delivering meaningful fights on major stages,” said Star Boxing CEO Joe DeGuardia. “Alex is ready, Rani is stepping up, and fans are going to see a tremendous fight.”

 

The April 17th event will be headlined by unified 130-pound champion Alycia Baumgardner defending her titles against contender Bo Mi Re Shin in a championship showdown that will headline the night of action. Catch the Baumgardner v. Shin fight live on ESPN.