Rafael Espinoza will put his newly won WBO featherweight title on the line in the first defense against Sergio Chirino in the main event on ESPN+ tonight at Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.
(Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank)
Event start time: 7:30pm ET/4:30pm PST.
Boxing News 24 will provide the latest updates and results from tonight's matches as follows.
The 6-foot-1 Espinoza (24-0, 20 KOs) surprised many when he upset WBO 126-pound champion Robbie Ramirez by a 12-round majority decision on Dec. 9 in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Espinosa bounced back in the fifth round and then actively controlled the bout, stopping Robbie Sy in the 12th round to seal the win. Prior to this victory, Espinosa was a little known name in the eyes of fans, but he surprised the two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Chirino Sanchez (22-1, 13 KOs), who has fought professionally for eight years, has faced mostly unknown opponents throughout his career, but somehow, he remains ranked No. 2 in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) rankings despite not having a win against a well-known opponent.
Other matches tonight:
– Unbeaten super featherweight Andres Corres (21-0, 12 KOs) will face hard-hitting Abraham Nova (23-2, 16 KOs) in a 10-round bout for the vacant NABO title. The 30-year-old Nova is a must-win fight after losing to Oshaquie Foster earlier this year.
– Middleweight prospect Troy Eisley (12-0, 5 KOs) will put the NABO belt on the line in a 10-round bout against Javier Martinez (10-0-1, 3 KOs). The 25-year-old Eisley has punching power but is vulnerable and hasn't always been at his best, so it's unclear whether he'll be able to make it in the sport unless he makes significant improvements.
– Bantamweight Floyd Diaz (11-0, 3 KOs) will face veteran Francisco Pedroza (18-11-2, 10 KOs) in an eight-round bout.
