Unbeaten Mexican Rafael Espinoza will make the first defense of his WBO featherweight title on Friday, June 21, when he takes on compatriot Sergio Chirino at Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.
The 12-round bout and the undercard bouts will be broadcast on ESPN+ in the United States.
Espinosa (24-0, 20 KOs) defeated former Olympic champion Robeisy Ramirez to win the WBO title in a stunning split decision in December. The Guadalajara native avoided a knockout to stay in control of the bout before dropping Ramirez in the final round to seal the victory.
“The only thing that's changed in my life is that now people call me a champion,” Espinoza said in his final press conference. “I've learned a lot. I've learned to enjoy the moment, to work like a champion. For me and my family, it's all the same. They're with me, and that's what counts.”
“Whenever we have an opportunity like this, we come in to win. We are aware of that. That's why we trained so hard. I did all my training. I only talk in the ring. I don't like to talk outside the ring. So the best fighter will win. The champion will win.”
Watch Rafael Espinoza vs. Sergio Chirino Sanchez on ESPN+
Chirino (22-1, 13 KOs) suffered his lone loss at the hands of former WBA featherweight champion Mauricio Lara in a non-title bout in 2018. Since then, the challenger has won 13 bouts, nine of which have been by stoppage, and will be feeling confident heading into his first world title fight, but Espinoza, at 6-1, will be a big step up in weight class.
“I'm happy because the opportunity to win a world title has come and I'm excited because just like every boxer, I want to make this dream come true,” Cirino said. “We're here and we're going to go for it on Friday night.”
“When you have two Mexicans in the ring it's always a great show and in this fight there's a surprise. We're here to tell the same story that Rafael once told. [won the world title]So, we are going to win the world title and be the first team from Oaxaca to do it.”
Sporting News has the undercard results and in-depth report on the all-Mexican main event.
Rafael Espinosa vs Sergio Chirino Sanchez viewing information
- date: June 21 (Friday)
- positionFontainebleau Las Vegas — Las Vegas
- Start time: 7pm ET | 12am BST (Sat) | 9am AEST (Sat)
- How to watch: US: ESPN+ (monthly subscription $10.99/yearly subscription $109.99) | UK: Sky Sports
The Rafael Espinoza vs. Sergio Chirino Sanchez bout will take place on June 21. The bout will be broadcast on ESPN+ in the United States.
