Mobile Home | Desktop Version




Top Rank Signs Featherweight World Champion Rafael Espinoza to Co-Promotional Contract with Zanfer Promotions

PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 13 Jun 2024



Espinoza to defend his WBO crown against Sergio Chirino on Friday, June 21 inside BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas LIVE on ESPN+

LAS VEGAS (June 12, 2024) – Unbeaten WBO featherweight world champion Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza has inked a multi-fight co-promotional agreement with Top Rank, who will work alongside Zanfer Promotions.

Espinoza, a 30-year-old native of Guadalajara, Mexico, will make the first defense of his title against countryman Sergio Chirino on Friday, June 21, inside BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas and streaming LIVE on ESPN+.

“Rafael Espinoza is a fighter who gives the fans excitement every time he steps through the ropes," said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. "I look forward to working with our friends at Zanfer Promotions to deliver Rafael the biggest and best fights. He has all the tools to become one of the great Mexican champions of his era."

Espinoza said, “I’m very excited about this agreement between Zanfer Promotions and Top Rank to take my career to another level. I promise you all great fights and great wars. And more than anything else, I promise to continue giving my all to win the hearts of all the fans. I’m also excited about my main event fight in Las Vegas. I'll show that this title will stay with me for a long time.”

Espinoza (24-0, 20 KOs) spent over a decade in the paid ranks before getting his shot at a world title. Last December, he prevailed in a Fight of the Year contender against then-WBO king Robeisy Ramirez. Espinoza took an early lead, was dropped in the fifth, and rebounded to knock down the Cuban two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 12th round. Espinoza emerged with a majority decision victory, becoming the 30th Mexican featherweight world champion and the 20th from his home state of Jalisco.



Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Tsendy Erdenebat Wins Clear-Cut Unanimous Decision over Cobia Breedy in Main Event of ProBoxTV from Live! Casino Hotel Maryland
    Sat, 02 May 2026
  • Coach Ederwin Estavillo is ready
    By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 02 May 2026
  • WOLVERHAMPTON FIGHT WEEK: OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED FOR WALKER-EGGINGTON
    Sat, 02 May 2026
  • Cebuano Elmo Traya Eyes WBF World Title in Georgia
    By Carlos Costa, Sat, 02 May 2026
  • Jeter Promotions Yvgeniy Pavlov on a Championship Track
    Sat, 02 May 2026
  • 2nd SIGLO 100km Ultramarathon set May 30-31
    By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 02 May 2026
  • Let's Go to San Manuel, Tarlac
    By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 02 May 2026
  • Inoue vs Nakatani Make Weight, Set for Historic Showdown
    By Carlos Costa, Fri, 01 May 2026
  • Inoue vs Nakatani & Benavidez vs Ramirez Makes For Blockbuster Saturday
    By Chris Carlson, Fri, 01 May 2026
  • Magramo is new PBO super fly champ
    By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 01 May 2026
  • Blow-By-Blow makes rousing return
    Fri, 01 May 2026
  • Kyle Amoroto rules China Pool meet
    By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 01 May 2026
  • Zurdo Ramirez vs Benavidez (Fight Analysis)
    By Ralph Rimpell, Fri, 01 May 2026
  • WOLVERHAMPTON FIGHT WEEK FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AS WALKER AND EGGINGTON GET SET FOR SHOWDOWN
    Fri, 01 May 2026
  • VARGAS AND WHITTAKER AIM TO SHINE ON HUGE ZAYAS-BOOTS BROOKLYN STAGE
    Fri, 01 May 2026