Rafael Espinoza Returns For Risky Defence

On Friday night in Las Vegas, new WBO featherweight champ Rafael  Espinoza will make his first title defence in a risky bout that could jeopardize a lucrative future rematch with the man he upset, Robeisy Ramirez.

First, Espinoza, 24-0, 20 KOs, will defend against fellow Mexican Sergio Chirino, 22-1, 13 KOs, at Fontainebleau Hotel and Casino in the Top Rank Boxing/ESPN+ main event,

Rafael Espinoza Returns in a Risky Defence Against Sergio Chirino

FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS ⚡️ #EspinozaChirino | TOMORROW | @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/JX3VlUgu1L

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) June 20, 2024

Espinoza’s Biggest Win

The defence by the 30-year-old Espinoza comes on the heels of his “Upset of the Year” candidate performance, when he stunned the champion and Top Rank rising star, Ramirez, by majority decision in December. Espinoza outbrawled and scored more heavily round after round in the win. There had been thoughts of an immediate rematch, but Espinoza will instead make a defence first.

That is a risk, in that if Chirno defeats him, then the more compelling bout with the former champ goes by the wayside for now. Espinoza spoke in the final press conference Wednesday,

“I’m excited, and I’m happy. My heart is jumping because this is another dream come true. This is another reason why I started boxing, and now, it’s happening, thank God…. Every time anyone has an opportunity like this, they come to win, and we’re conscious of that. And that’s why we worked hard. I’ve done all the work, and I do my talking in the ring. I don’t like to talk outside of the ring. So, the best man will win. The champion will win.”

Who is Chirino?

The 29-year-old Chirino has only fought in Mexico against largely unknown competition and his last two fights were only scheduled for eight rounds. He has fought the 10-round distance several times in his career.

“We are happy because the opportunity for a world title is here. And we’re excited because, like any boxer, we want to achieve this dream,” Chirino said Wednesday. “We’re here, and we’re going for it Friday night.”When there are two Mexicans in the ring, it is always a great show. And in this fight, there will be a surprise. We came here to tell the same story Rafael did when he {won the world title}. So, we’re going to win that world title and be the first to do it from Oaxaca.”

In the co-feature Friday night, 26-year-old Las Vegas native Andres Cortes, 21-0, 12 KOs, and veteran Abraham “Super” Nova, 23-2, 16 KOs, will battle in a super lightweight fight that could give Cortes the biggest named win of his career. Nova just lost a tough world title bout to O’Shaquie Foster by a split decision in New York in February.