Top Rank announces WBO featherweight title fight amid TV deal uncertainty

On November 15 at Arena Potosí in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, Rafael Espinoza vs Arnold Khegai will headline a Top Rank Promotions card.

Top Rank have been mostly in the press for not having a TV deal since their long-term deal with ESPN expired in the summer.

The confusion surrounding the lack of a TV deal continues to rumble on, but this world title fight, all be it with no streaming details announced yet, is seemingly a positive sign – many known fighters are staying with Bob Arum & co and appearing on this card in Mexico.

Rafael Espinoza vs Arnold Khegai announced by Top Rank for Nov. 15

Espinoza (27-0, 23 KOs) will be defending his world title in Mexico for the first time. Khegai (23-2-1, 14 KOs) will be receiving his world title shot, despite losing to Joet Gonzalez earlier this year.

In the super lightweight co-feature, an all-Mexican clash will see the talented, undefeated Lindolfo Delgado (23-0, 16 KOs) face Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela (31-4-1, 17 KOs) in an IBF world title eliminator.

Rafael Espinoza vs Arnold Khegai – rest of the card

U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr (13-0, 11 KOs) will be returning to action, facing Czech veteran Tomas Salek (23-7,14 KOs) in a 10-round heavyweight showdown.

Unbeaten super lightweight fighter, Emiliano Fernando Vargas (15-0, 13 KOs), is set to fight in his first scheduled 10-round contest vs Jonathan Montrel (19-3, 13 KOs).

Super featherweight prospect Julian “El Natural” Montalvo (4-0, 3 KOs) is also back in action in a six-rounder against an opponent to be named.

Bob Arum, Espinoza and Khegai react to fight confirmation

Praising Espinoza and looking ahead to the fight, Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum said: 

“Rafael Espinoza is a unique talent, a 6-foot-1 featherweight with devastating knockout power in either hand. He is a dominant force, but I expect Arnold Khegai to be a formidable test.”

“San Luis Potosí is a great fight town, and I’m thrilled that the Mexican fans will have an opportunity to see several future world champions in action on the undercard,” added Arum.

“I’m happy and anxious to get back into the ring because it will be in my country, with my people. I want to display new tools from my arsenal. I know Arnold Khegai is strong, but that’s motivating me to keep demonstrating that I am ready for big things. I can’t wait for the support from the Mexican fans,” said Espinoza.

Despite being the likely big outsider on fight night, Khegai has made it clear he’s coming for the title: 

“When my team mentioned Rafael Espinoza as an opponent, I told them to do whatever it takes to make the fight,” Khegai said. “I’ve had a long journey in boxing, and this is the opportunity of a lifetime. I am coming to Mexico to ruin his homecoming.”

Stay with Big Fight Weekend for coverage of Rafael Espinoza vs Arnold Khegai, including results and video highlights, and post-fight analysis.