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:
ROUND 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Gathering Of Legends
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 13 Nov 2025Antonio draws with England's Arkell in Spain chess tiff
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 13 Nov 2025NBA announces the new format to All Star Game
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 13 Nov 2025Press Conference Notes: Xander Zayas & Abass Baraou Face Off Ahead of January 31 Title Unification Showdown in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Thu, 13 Nov 2025Historic Turnout at the 1st Tigerhead Rapid Open Chess Tournament in Laos
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 13 Nov 2025The Hammer Returns to the Fray With a Bang
By Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro, Wed, 12 Nov 2025Monzón and Coggi are new Argentina Boxing Hall of Fame members
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 12 Nov 2025GM Antonio moves to 2nd in Spain chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 12 Nov 2025Teflon Promotion to host Re:Play Volume 1 on November 22nd at The Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center
Wed, 12 Nov 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 10 NOVEMBER 2025
By Eric Armit, Wed, 12 Nov 2025FLORES AND CORDINA PREDICT KO NIGHT IN STOCKTON
Wed, 12 Nov 2025Lightweight Prospect Charley Leigh Brown Added To Hunter Vs Frankham Card 5th December
Wed, 12 Nov 2025Mavericks' Cooper Flagg becomes the second 18-year-old player to score 25 points
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 12 Nov 2025Sit back and enjoy, "Bata' Reyes book is out
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 12 Nov 2025'THE RING: UNFINISHED BUSINESS': CHRIS EUBANK JR-CONOR BENN II FIGHT WEEK LAUNCHES WITH INTENSE LONDON FACE-OFF
Tue, 11 Nov 2025