Bam Rodriguez stops Vargas in six to become three-division champion

Bam Rodriguez stands over a fallen Antonio Vargas in the sixth round, moments before the referee's stoppage made him a three-division world champion.GLENDALE, Ariz. — Bam Rodriguez made history Saturday night, stopping Antonio Vargas in the sixth round to claim the WBA bantamweight title and become a three-division world champion at just 26 years old.

The victory was the latest statement in one of boxing's most compelling rises. Rodriguez arrived in Arizona with the kind of confidence that only belongs to champions who already know the outcome. But Vargas, the defending titleholder, did not come to hand anything over.

The champion opened with a smart, composed game plan. He avoided loading up, choosing instead to touch Rodriguez with clean combinations and let his feet do the talking. An effective 2-1-2 worked well for Vargas early, keeping Rodriguez honest and off his rhythm.

Vargas led with his head at times, a habit that could have cost him later, but his timing and discipline in the first round gave him a clear early edge.Rodriguez found his footing in the second. His footwork, slippery and hard to pin down, began to create the angles he needed to set up his shots.

A right hand landed flush and buckled Vargas briefly, and from that moment Rodriguez started sitting on his punches with more intent, digging to the body with purpose. Vargas, to his credit, ended the round on a high note, storming back with a flurry that pushed Rodriguez into the ropes just as the bell sounded.Rounds three and four belonged to Vargas on activity and ring generalship.

He took away what Rodriguez wanted most by turning with him and denying him the clean looks his footwork is designed to create. Vargas kept letting his hands go whenever Rodriguez put his gloves up, refusing to be baited into dropping his guard. Broadcasters noted that Rodriguez was going to have to work for this one, and through four rounds, they were right.

Then came round five.Rodriguez dropped Vargas with a powerful sho