In July, at the Nate Diaz–Jorge Masvidal boxing event, Amado Vargas delivered a stunning performance. Fighting on the undercard, the son of boxing legend Fernando Vargas secured a knockout victory over Sean Garcia, the younger brother of Ryan Garcia. Now, six months later, the two fighters are set to face off again on New Year’s Eve at the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo.

This time, the rematch will take place under the banner of Ryan Garcia’s exhibition bout against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo. However, fans are divided on the significance of this match, given the context surrounding both fighters. Ryan Garcia is currently serving a suspension that followed his failure to clear drug tests of the Devin Haney fight. His exhibition fight has already raised a few eyebrows. Now, many are questioning the decision to host a rematch between Amado Vargas and Sean Garcia.

Amado Vargas vs. Sean Garcia: Exhibition or Professional Rematch?

The confusion surrounding the nature of the fight has sparked debate. The Instagram post mentioned the bout as a ‘rematch’. However, in the adjoining poster, featuring both Amado Vargas and Sean Garcia, it is described as a ‘Special Exhibition Match’ under Rizin Standing Bout Rules. They will fight an eight-round bout of three minutes each at a catchweight of 61.2 kg.

Their first encounter at the Honda Center in Anaheim was a decisive victory for Amado Vargas. Despite his best efforts, Sean Garcia, also known as ‘Sugar Rush’, struggled to match Vargas’ pace and skill, eventually succumbing to a stoppage.

Fans promptly joined to express their thoughts. Some questioned the rationale behind hosting the rematch instead of a more competitive bout. Especially for Amado Vargas, given his trajectory, a few appeared puzzled by his decision to participate in an exhibition rematch rather than facing a ranked contender.

Divided Opinions: What Fans Really Think

The announcement has elicited diverse reactions. Understandably, Amado Vargas sounded quite enthusiastic, “🤩.” But one fan took the opportunity to highlight the flaws in his and Sean Garcia’s boxing skills. They said, “Amado still gasses out in early rounds, no footwork or defense, and Garcia lacks his defense & skills. 🚮”

Taking a dig at Amado Vargas and his brother, who are also into boxing, the next one expressed disappointment in the young fighter’s career decisions: “💀Amado is ahh bruh, I thought bro gonna fight a contender 😭not the rematch. Amado still trash ahh fighter but why rematch!? Them Vargas dudes are trash, all hype until they get KO or not a title shot until 30. 🚮 💀”

Some questioned the motives behind the fight. The next user seemed more interested in the benefits the fight would reap: “AYO HOW MUCH THEY PAYING U BRO😂😂 OR U JUST HAVING FUN NOW?😂.” Likewise this user pondered why the Vargas-Garcia clash lacked the trappings of a professional bout: “Why not make it a real fight wth”

For the next follower, neither Amado Vargas nor Sean Garcia struck as fighters who could fight well: “They both 🗑️ lol.”

Both Vargas and Garcia are only 24 years old, leaving them ample time to refine their skills and build their careers.

However, critics may argue that instead of engaging in inconsequential bouts, they could pursue tougher opponents to accelerate their progression. In the competitive world of boxing, sustained growth and higher-level challenges are necessary to contend for world titles. If they wish to be taken seriously, Vargas and Garcia must shift their focus to more meaningful opportunities.

Do you think the scheduled rematch between Amado Vargas and Sean Garcia is a step forward? Share your thoughts below!