Star Boxing announced that an undercard bout between two undefeated men will take place on a predominantly womens' card on Friday, April 17th at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Long Island’s Alex Vargas will battle Dublin's Ryan O’Rourke in an eight-round junior welterweight bout on the Most Valuable Promotions show, which will be broadcast live on ESPN and the ESPN App. For Star Boxing, the matchup represents an exciting moment as two of the promotion’s undefeated talents collide on one of the sport’s biggest stages. Vargas (14-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of Bellport, New York, will have the hometown advantage. A decorated amateur who captured two Junior Olympic titles and was a finalist for the New York Golden Gloves, Vargas has built a reputation as a slick and technically skilled boxer with sharp footwork and ring intelligence.
“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, April 17th it’s time to beat another undefeated fighter and prove I belong here.”
Standing across the ring will be O’Rourke (13-0, 3 KOs), who has steadily built his professional resume competing throughout Europe and the United States. A tall and rangy 140-pounder, O’Rourke is known for using his reach, movement, and body work to control the pace of fights. With around 70 amateur bouts before turning professional, he has developed into one of Ireland’s promising rising fighters and continues to gain experience on the international stage.
“This is the sort of opportunity I’ve been waiting for. Big thanks to Joe DeGuardia, Sheer Sports and MVP for giving it to me,” said O’Rourke. “To come all the way from Ireland and fight in such an iconic venue like MSG is a dream come true, but these are the sort of cards and venues I've always seen myself boxing on, so on Friday, April 17th I’m coming to put on a standout performance and announce myself on the big stage.”
“This is a tremendous opportunity for both fighters,” said Star Boxing CEO Joe DeGuardia. “Alex and Ryan are both undefeated, hungry, and looking to prove themselves on a big stage. Fighting at Madison Square Garden is every fighter’s dream, and this matchup has all the ingredients to be a tremendous fight for the fans.”
The April 17th event will be headlined by unified super featherweight world champion Alycia Baumgardner defending her titles against contender Bo Mi Re Shin in a championship showdown that will headline the night of action. For Vargas and O’Rourke, the bout represents a pivotal step forward in their careers as both undefeated fighters look to make a statement under the bright lights at Madison Square Garden.
