WBC Orders Stephen Fulton to Defend Title Against Rey Vargas

The WBC has officially ordered its featherweight champion (57.2 kg) Stephen Fulton (23-1, 8 KOs) to defend his title against "champion in recess" Rey Vargas (36-1-1, 22 KOs), according to The Ring.

Vargas last fought in March 2023, fighting to a draw against Nick Ball.

He was originally ordered to defend his title against Brandon Figueroa, but the fight never materialized.

As a result, Figueroa was elevated to full champion status but lost the title to Fulton on February 1.

There is still a chance that Fulton may choose to move up to super featherweight to pursue a bout with O'Shaquie Foster.

If that happens, the WBC may sanction a fight between Vargas and mandatory challenger Bruce Carrington for the vacant title.