Fastest KO ever at Madison Square Garden

The fastest knockout ever recorded at New York’s Madison Square Garden - the undisputed mecca of boxing - stood for more than 80 years. That is, until this past weekend. Back in 1944, Al Davis set the bar with a 63-second KO. Now, Emiliano Vargas (15-0, 13 KOs), son of former world champion Fernando Vargas, has shattered that mark with a stunning 42-second stoppage of Alexander Espinoza (20-4-1, 9 KOs).

The Vargas legacy is alive and thriving. Fernando “El Feroz” Vargas, known for his ferocious fighting style, was one of the most electrifying boxers of his generation. He became the youngest-ever U.S. national champion at 16 and captured the light middleweight world title at just 21. Today, at that same age, his youngest son Emiliano is carving out his own place in boxing history.

Nicknamed “El General,” Emiliano remains undefeated, with 13 of his 15 wins coming by knockout. He’s one of Top Rank’s most promising rising stars, bringing hunger and ambition to every bout.

“Cementing my name in the history books”

This weekend, he successfully defended his North American Boxing Federation super lightweight title - and did so in emphatic fashion. A thunderous right hand ended Espinoza’s night in under a minute.

“Of all the legendary champions that have fought at the Garden, I’m cementing my name in the history books,” Vargas wrote on Instagram. “Fastest KO [in] MSG HISTORY. God be all the glory.”

Emiliano wasn’t alone in the ring - his brothers, Fernando Jr. (28) and Amado (25), were in his corner, continuing the family tradition. Boxing is in their blood.

Vargas seeking title chance

Now, the youngest Vargas is calling for a title shot of his own, eager to follow in his father’s footsteps and match his accomplishments. Emiliano has his sights set on the winner of the upcoming clash between former world champion Regis Prograis (29-3, 24 KOs) and Joseph “JoJo” Díaz (34-7-1, 15 KOs), aiming to raise the level of competition and prove he’s ready for the sport’s elite.

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