By Ryan Burton
Newly crowned WBA/IBO junior welterweight champion Jessie Vargas is thrilled that his first title defense will take place in Las Vegas. The native Las Vegan will face undefeated Russian Anton Novikov (29-0) in the HBO televised co-feature fight that will take place at a The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Former champion Brandon Rios faces Diego Chaves of Argentina in the main event.
"They told me I am facing Novikov at The Cosmo," an excited Vargas told BoxingScene.com. "It feels good knowing that I am defending my title and even better that it is in my hometown. I'm extremely excited about this event."
Vargas won the titles when he defeated Khabib Allakhverdiev on April 12th at the MGM Grand Garden on the Manny Pacquiao-Tim Bradley pay-per-view undercard.
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