Hometown Prospect Alex Vargas Faces Late Replacement at MSG Undercard

Vargas looks to validate his 'Rockin' Fights' credentials and blaze a trail for Huntington fighters on the big stage.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:33am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the energy and intensity of a boxing match, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette.Vargas looks to continue the lineage of Huntington fighters who have made it to the 'Mecca of Boxing' with a statement win at MSG.Chicago Today

Star Boxing prospect Alex Vargas returns to the ring after a 30-month layoff on Friday, April 17, at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden. Vargas was originally set to face fellow undefeated prospect Ryan O'Rourke, but O'Rourke had to withdraw due to a personal issue. Vargas will now face Chicago's Rani Jalomo (7-0-1, 4 KOs) on the undercard of the Most Valuable Promotions MVPW-02 card, airing live on ESPN+.

Why it matters

Vargas is under pressure to perform on the big stage at MSG, as he looks to validate his credentials as one of the top prospects coming out of the Paramount in Huntington, a venue that has produced several local legends. Vargas carries the expectations of the 'Rockin' Fights Blueprint' and the lineage of Huntington fighters who have gone on to success at the Garden.

The details

Vargas (14-0, 5 KOs) has proven his mettle in recent wars against veteran Mauro Maximiliano Godoy and Julio Rosa, showcasing his surgical skills and heart. The 30-month layoff, however, presents a new challenge as Vargas looks to shake off any potential ring rust and make a statement on the national stage.

  • Vargas expects to make his ringwalk at 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT on Friday, April 17.
  • The undercard fights begin at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT.

The players

Alex Vargas

A Star Boxing prospect from Huntington, New York, who is looking to validate his credentials as one of the top prospects coming out of the Paramount, a venue that has produced several local legends.

Rani Jalomo

An undefeated fighter from Chicago, who is stepping in as a late replacement opponent for Vargas on the MVPW-02 undercard.

Joe DeGuardia

The CEO of Star Boxing, the promotional company that represents Vargas.

Jake Paul

The co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, the company promoting the MVPW-02 event at Madison Square Garden.

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What they’re saying

“I've been doubted my entire career, but that's what motivated me. Fighting at Madison Square Garden is a dream.”

— Alex Vargas

“Performing at my best on this stage has been prepared through years of fighting at a different venue. The Paramount, the venue is much smaller, but the atmosphere is like a big arena … same energy, but it feels way more personal, everyone is so close.”

— Alex Vargas

“We went to work right away. It's part of the program of what we had to do. We committed to providing the fight, and we found a tough, undefeated fighter.”

— Joe DeGuardia, CEO of Star Boxing

What’s next

Vargas will look to make a statement on the national stage at Madison Square Garden and validate his status as one of the top prospects coming out of the Paramount in Huntington.

The takeaway

Vargas faces a tough test in his return to the ring after a long layoff, but he has proven his mettle in recent wars and is determined to honor the lineage of Huntington fighters who have found success at the Garden. This fight represents a chance for Vargas to cement his reputation as a rising star in the sport.