In a night of significant upsets and controversy in the boxing world, Ricardo Rafael Sandoval stunned Kenshiro Teraji to claim the WBC and WBA flyweight world titles. Meanwhile, Antonio Vargas retained his WBA bantamweight title via a draw against Daigo Higa, and Francisco Rodriguez Jr. faces scrutiny after failing a drug test.
Sandoval’s Upset Victory
Ricardo Rafael Sandoval, 26, delivered a stunning performance in Yokohama, Japan, climbing off the canvas in the fifth round to secure a split-decision victory over the two-weight world champion Kenshiro Teraji. The scorecards read 117-110, 115-112, and 113-114 in favor of the California native, marking a major upset in the flyweight division. Teraji, 33, suffered only his second career defeat and may now reconsider his future in the sport.
Vargas Secures Draw in Thriller
Antonio Vargas, the WBA bantamweight world champion, retained his title with a unanimous draw against Japan’s Daigo Higa. Vargas was knocked down in the fourth round but responded with a crucial knockdown in the final round, leveling the scorecards at 113-113. This result means Vargas keeps his recently acquired title, though Higa, who has now failed to win a world championship bout in three consecutive attempts at home, suggested he might retire.
Rodriguez Jr. Faces Doping Allegations
Francisco Rodriguez Jr. is under investigation by the British Boxing Board of Control and UK Anti-Doping after failing a drug test for the banned substance heptaminol. This positive test occurred after his June victory over Galal Yafai. It has since emerged that Rodriguez also failed a drug test in December following a fight in San Antonio, which was declared a no-contest by the Texas Commission. The WBC has since declared the Yafai fight a no-contest and ordered a rematch, stating an over-the-counter energy booster caused the positive test. Any potential suspension from the BBBofC would only apply to fights within the United Kingdom.
