The latest rankings leave Emiliano (18-0, 15 KOs) as the organization’s highest-rated available contender behind the champion.

The son of former world champion Fernando Vargas has built his reputation with an aggressive, fan-friendly style and knockout power, stopping 15 of his 18 opponents. His most recent victory came last Saturday, when he halted Bryce Mills in four rounds, continuing the momentum that has carried him steadily up the rankings.

While becoming the WBO’s No. 1 contender does not automatically guarantee an immediate title shot, it places Vargas in prime position should the organization decide to enforce a mandatory defense or if Shakur elects to face the unbeaten contender. Shakur won the WBO delicate welterweight title by defeating Teofimo Lopez in January and has since become one of boxing’s biggest names across four weight classes.

For Vargas, the timing could hardly be better.

At just 22 years ancient, he is still one of the youngest contenders in the division, yet his ranking now puts him alongside established championship-level names. A fight with Shakur would represent a massive leap in competition, but it would also provide the kind of career-defining opportunity few prospects receive this early.

Top Rank could choose to give Vargas another developmental fight before matching him with Stevenson. At 22, Vargas has plenty of time, and a title fight against one of boxing’s most technically skilled champions would represent a significant jump in class.

Still, Vargas has already cleared one of the biggest hurdles in boxing.

Vargas has now climbed as high as he can in the WBO rankings without holding the title. If Stevenson fulfills his obligations as champion and the WBO orders a mandatory defense, Vargas is now in position to be called.