Fernando Vargas Jr., a 29-year-old professional fighter from Oxnard, was taken into custody Thursday night after a three-vehicle collision inside a Universal Studios Hollywood parking structure, with California Highway Patrol officers reporting signs of alcohol impairment before making the arrest. The crash happened around 7:50 p.m., and no injuries were reported.
According to NBC Los Angeles, CHP said in a news release that Vargas Jr. was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol following the crash, which was reported just before 8 p.m. Per MyNewsLA.com, officers observed signs of impairment at the scene before taking him into custody. The station's report indicates the case will be submitted to the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office for possible prosecution.
A Prosecutorial Path Shaped by the Absence of Injuries
Because the crash caused no reported injuries, the case's final charge classification has not been established. Under California Vehicle Code 23152, a first-offense misdemeanor DUI without injuries carries potential penalties of up to six months in county jail, fines ranging from $390 to $1,000 plus penalty assessments, three to five years of summary probation, and a driver's license suspension, according to Eisner Gorin LLP.
Separately, California's implied consent laws specify that an administrative driver's license suspension of one year is triggered if a driver lawfully arrested on suspicion of DUI refuses to submit to a chemical breath or blood test, as explained by the Shouse Law Group. That administrative suspension process runs through the Department of Motor Vehicles independently of whatever happens in criminal court.
From Gloved Contender to Bare-Knuckle Fighter
Before the crash put him in a very different kind of headline, Vargas Jr. had built a 17-1 professional gloved boxing record, according to Box.Live. His lone defeat came by unanimous decision against Callum Walsh on September 13, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, a bout that appeared on the Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight card streamed on Netflix. He turned professional at age 24, debuting with a knockout win over Pablo Rosas in Merida, Mexico, in December 2020.
In April 2026, Vargas Jr. and his brother Amado Vargas signed promotional contracts with Bare Knuckle Boxing, officially shifting into the bare-knuckle fight sports arena, according to a post from BKB on Facebook. Fernando Vargas Sr. is Fernando Vargas Jr.'s father.
A Family Legacy Rooted in Oxnard
The elder Vargas became the youngest junior middleweight champion in boxing history at age 21 in December 1998, holding IBF and WBA titles before retiring with a 26-5 career record and 22 knockouts, according to BoxRec. He represented the United States at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics before turning professional.
The Vargas family's roots trace back to Oxnard, a Southern California city long known as a boxing hub, as Hoodline previously reported. Oxnard PAL has hosted boxing events and programs, including an international tournament.
No further details on the Thursday night crash, including the condition of the other vehicles involved or any additional charges, have been released. The case remains under review as CHP prepares to forward its findings for prosecutorial consideration.
