Francisco Vargas to Fight Miguel Berchelt Jan. 28 on HBO

One of the most exciting fighters in boxing once again returns to the ring in January to defend his featherweight title, as Francisco Vargas will put his belt on the line against Miguel Berchelt in what would be a candidate for fight of the year when they collide on Jan. 28 on HBO.

Vargas (23-0-2, 17 KOs) was the victor in the consensus “Fight of the year” in 2015 when he out-slugged Japan’s Takashi Miura in Las Vegas. The two both tasted the canvas in the bout, which was an all-action affair from start to finish. Not resting on his laurels, “El Bandido” waged an even more exciting war in June when he stood toe-to-toe with Orlando Salido, a bout that ended in a draw that should win the coveted award this year as well.

Can Vargas, the reigning WBC 126-pound champ, somehow electrify fans with yet another amazing all-time battle?

“Boxing fans know what to expect every time I step in to the ring, and that is a war,” Vargas said. “I am aware of my opponent's knockout power, but he's never faced a true world champion, and I am confident I will come out on top.”

Berchelt (30-1, 27 KOs) is a vicious puncher who has knocked out nine straight foes since suffering the lone defeat of his career. He’s been feasting on mostly regional opposition thus far in his career and will be a sizeable underdog going into the bout.

“I'm going to shock the boxing world on Jan. 28,” Berchelt said. “This is the opportunity I have been looking forward to.”

The co-feature of the evening will see former super featherweight titlist Miura (30-3-2, 23 KOs) taking on former featherweight and light world title challenger Miguel Roman (56-11, 43 KOs) over 12 rounds.

The action will be televised live on HBO’s Boxing After Dark from inside Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif., beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.