Jessie Vargas Likely Back in July: DeMarco or Novikov?

By Ryan Burton

Various sources have advised BoxingScene.com that newly crowned WBA/IBO junior welterweight champion Jessie Vargas (24-0) will return to the ring in July and the two frontrunners to be his challenger are former lightweight champion Antonio DeMarco (30-3) and undefeated Russian Anton Novikov (28-0). 

DeMarco, who now trains under the tutelage of Freddie Roach, has won both of his fights since being stopped by Adrien Broner in 2012. Each of those fights took place above the junior welterweight limit.  Novikov hasn't fought yet this year but went 3-0 in 2013 with his last fight taking place in December in Puerto Rico.

Vargas won his titles by defeating Khabib Allakhverdiev by unanimous decision on the televised undercard of Manny Pacquiao's victory over Timothy Bradley in their April rematch. 

The fight will be televised by HBO and will likely be paired with Brandon Rios' return bout against an opponent to be determined.

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