Philippines, 20 Nov 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Rafael Espinoza: “I’m Going To Steal The Show On May 4!”

PhilBoxing.com




Espinoza defends his WBO featherweight world title against Edward Vazquez on Sunday, May 4, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas

GUADALAJARA, Mexico (April 25, 2025) — Mexico's featherweight king, Rafael Espinoza, plans to steal the spotlight on Cinco de Mayo Weekend.

The 31-year-old Espinoza defends his WBO crown against Edward Vazquez on Sunday, May 4, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Espinoza-Vazquez will serve as the co-feature to the undisputed junior featherweight showdown between Japanese pound-for-pound icon Naoya Inoue and San Antonio-born contender Ramon Cardenas.

Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) built his career in Mexico before shocking two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez for the WBO title in December 2023. Dropped in the fifth, he stormed back to score a 12th-round knockdown and claim a majority decision in ESPN’s Upset of the Year. He defended the title last June with a fourth-round TKO versus Sergio Chirino before ending the Ramirez rivalry by stopping him in six in their December rematch. Vazquez (17-2, 4 KOs), from Fort Worth, Texas, enters his second world title opportunity after knocking out Kenneth Taylor in four rounds last October.

Inoue-Cardenas and Espinoza-Vazquez will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ohashi Promotion, Teiken Promotions, and Sampson Boxing, tickets are on sale now via AXS.com.

This is what Espinoza said following a recent training session in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico:

“Edward Vazquez is a great fighter. He’s going to come with everything. We chose him because we know it would make for an exciting fight. This is an important fight for me. At the same time, I don’t like to predict knockouts or tell people how the fight will end. I’m simply going to do my job. If the knockout comes, then great. Either way, I'm scoring a win for my people."

“I’m treating Vazquez as if he were an unbeaten champion. That’s how I’m taking things in my preparation, and that will ensure I don’t come in overconfident. Also, I know that it’s a huge opportunity for him, so he will come in the best shape possible.”

“It’s a great responsibility to fight on such an important weekend for Mexicans, so I see it as a source of motivation. I want to continue representing Mexico on these important fight dates.”

“The only thing on my mind is Edward Vazquez and defeating him on May 4. But at the same time, I’d like to show the Japanese people that I’m also ready for Naoya Inoue. That kind of fight would help me become one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.”

“I’m going to steal the show on May 4 and give all the Mexicans in attendance a great night.”




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • OLYMPIC BOXING 1: 1904 OLYMPICS AT ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, UNITED STATES
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Thu, 20 Nov 2025
  • Pacquiao, Nine Other Pinoys in Latest Ring Ratings
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Thu, 20 Nov 2025
  • QUOTES FROM MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS LOS ANGELES OPEN WORKOUT AT WILD CARD BOXING CLUB AND LAS VEGAS OPEN WORKOUT AHEAD OF NOV. 29 FIGHT NIGHT AT PECHANGA RESORT CASINO
    , Thu, 20 Nov 2025
  • Super Featherweight Sluggers ‘Tsendy’ Erdenebat and Abraham Montoya Agree to Meet in Short-Notice Co-Featured Bout on Proboxtv’s Friday Night Fights
    , Thu, 20 Nov 2025
  • Cartagenas, Yu top 4th DCHS Fun Run
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 20 Nov 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 18 NOVEMBER 2025: Espinosa Defeats Khegai; Benn Gets Even With Eubank Jnr; Catterall Stops Essuman
    By Eric Armit, , Wed, 19 Nov 2025
  • Paras to challenge Malajika for IBO World super flyweight title on Nov. 29 in South Africa
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 19 Nov 2025
  • Lebron James is first player to play 23 seasons in NBA history
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 19 Nov 2025
  • Team Tira Tira Sampaloc Tres is SJDM Woodpusher Society 3X3 Rapid Chess Tournament Champion
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 19 Nov 2025
  • RUN IT BACK! GOLDEN BOY KICKS OFF 2026 FIGHT SCHEDULE WITH NIGHT OF HIGH STAKES REMATCHES
    , Wed, 19 Nov 2025
  • Boxlab Promotions “Night of Champions XIII” Undercard Bouts Announced
    , Wed, 19 Nov 2025
  • Porres-Narukami fight moved to Nov. 23
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 19 Nov 2025
  • Rematch for the ages
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 18 Nov 2025
  • "Limping" Boston Showing Famed Celtics Pride
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Tue, 18 Nov 2025
  • IIEE-Trocio Engineers defeated Splashers Lawyers in the BPBL Opening
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 18 Nov 2025
  • ThunderDome 52 Card Preview
    , Tue, 18 Nov 2025
  • Los Angeles Lakers may be under NBA gambling Investigation
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 18 Nov 2025
  • PLAYER+ and BIBA Announce Official Partnership
    , Tue, 18 Nov 2025
  • Roberto Racasa Claims 7 Medals at Asia Open International Memory Championships in Hyderabad, India
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 18 Nov 2025
  • Bacnotan Pickleball Club Marks First Anniversary With Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 18 Nov 2025
  • Connor Benn Targets Barrios' WBC Welter Belt After Defeating Chris Eubank Jnr
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 17 Nov 2025
  • NBA Daily: Sans Wembanyama, Spurs Dominate Kings 123 – 110
    By Reylan Loberternos, , Mon, 17 Nov 2025
  • GM Joey Antonio finishes second in Spain chess tilt
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 17 Nov 2025
  • A Tall Order: Rafael Espinoza KOs Arnold Khegai to Retain Featherweight Crown
    , Sun, 16 Nov 2025
  • Conor Benn dominates Chris Eubank Jr to claim emphatic rematch victory
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 16 Nov 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.