Rey Vargas Defends Title Against Scrappy Hovannisyan
Verona, NY (May 12, 2018)- WBC Super Bantamweight Champion Rey Vargas (32-0 22KO’s) defended his title tonight against “Crazy” Azat Hovhannisyan (14-3 11KO’s) of Armenia.
In a back and forth battle with momentum swings the taller Vargas was able to hold the rushing challenger at bay, despite being rocked several times in the fight. A rushing Hovhannisyan would open cuts above both eyes of Vargas by the eighth round.
In the championship rounds trainer Freddie Roach implored “Crazy A” to land the big shot. Hovhannisyan tried his best but was unable to floor the freakishly tall at 122 pounds Vargas.
On scores of 118-110, 116-112, and 117-111 Vargas takes his title back home to Mexico.
Under the tutelage of hall of fame trainer Nacho Beristain, Vargas has been unstoppable at 122 using a pool stick jab and movement to keep fights on the outside.
“I’m very happy” said Vargas. “This was a tough opponent, though he fights dirty and has his bad habits. He head-butted me a lot.”
Hovhannisyan was coming off a win over Ronny Rios back in February, stopping the Santa Ana contender. “I have great respect for Rey Vargas, but I felt I controlled the fight with my aggression, I landed the harder cleaner punches.” Said Hovhannisyan. “He got too much credit for pitty-patter shots.”
