(March 20th) In just four weeks, an undefeated clash between two rising talents from Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing will take place on one of boxing’s grandest stages when Long Island’s Alex Vargas meets Dublin's Ryan O’Rourke in an eight-round junior welterweight bout on Friday, April 17 at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden.

The bout will take place as part of the undercard of the highly anticipated card presented by Most Valuable Promotions and broadcast live on ESPN and the ESPN App.

For Star Boxing, the matchup represents an exciting moment as two of the promotion’s rising undefeated talents collide on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

Alex Vargas (14-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of Bellport, New York, will have the opportunity to compete at the iconic Madison Square Garden in front of a hometown crowd. A decorated amateur who captured two Junior Olympic titles and was a finalist for the New York Golden Gloves, Vargas has built a reputation as a slick and technically skilled boxer with sharp footwork and ring intelligence.

“I’ve been doubted my entire career, but that’s what motivated me,” said Vargas. “Fighting at Madison Square Garden is a dream, and on Friday, April 17th it’s time to beat another undefeated fighter and prove I belong here.”

Standing across the ring will be fellow undefeated Star Boxing standout Ryan O’Rourke (13-0, 3 KOs), a talented contender from Dublin, Ireland who has steadily built his professional resume competing throughout Europe and the United States.

A tall and rangy 140-pounder, O’Rourke is known for using his reach, movement, and body work to control the pace of fights. With around 70 amateur bouts before turning professional, he has developed into one of Ireland’s promising rising fighters and continues to gain experience on the international stage.

“This is the sort of opportunity I’ve been waiting for. Big thanks to Joe DeGuardia, Sheer Sports and MVP for giving it to me,” said O’Rourke. “To come all the way from Ireland and fight in such an iconic venue like MSG is a dream come true, but these are the sort of cards and venues I've always seen myself boxing on, so on Friday, April 17th I’m coming to put on a standout performance and announce myself on the big stage.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for both fighters,” said Star Boxing CEO Joe DeGuardia. “Alex and Ryan are both undefeated, hungry, and looking to prove themselves on a big stage. Fighting at Madison Square Garden is every fighter’s dream, and this matchup has all the ingredients to be a tremendous fight for the fans.”

The April 17 event will be headlined by unified super featherweight world champion Alycia Baumgardner defending her titles against contender Bo Mi Re Shin in a championship showdown that will headline the night of action.

For Vargas and O’Rourke, the bout represents a pivotal step forward in their careers as both undefeated fighters look to make a statement under the bright lights at Madison Square Garden.