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:
Mexican legend Jackie Nava inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 15 Jun 2026Ronnie Alvarez Dominates Filip Stankovic, Scores Seventh-Round TKO at Desert Diamond Arena
Sun, 14 Jun 2026THE CROWNING OF BAM: Rodriguez Overcomes Early Storm to Detonate Vargas in Six, Eyes Inoue Super-Fight
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 14 Jun 2026New York Knicks win the NBA Championship with historic comeback
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 14 Jun 2026Panamanian superstar Nataly Delgado wins 115lb female WBA world championship in Orlando, Florida
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 14 Jun 2026IBA Bare Knuckle to make historic United States debut in Miami
Sun, 14 Jun 2026Laurente remains undefeated, TKOs Aguan in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 14 Jun 2026Foundation stone laid for the first-ever IBA arena in Dushanbe
Sun, 14 Jun 2026Jerick Faeldonia Wins One Chess Movement Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 14 Jun 2026Bam Rodriguez vs Antonio Vargas & Martinez vs Cardenas Preview and Picks
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 13 Jun 2026Popper vs. Seldon Jr. Official Weights for June 13 in Atlantic City
Sat, 13 Jun 2026GLENDALE, AZ FIGHT WEEK: OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR BAM VS VARGAS – LIVE ON DAZN
Sat, 13 Jun 2026Undefeated Middleweight Amir Anderson Meets Jonas Sylvain in Battle of Unbeatens on DAZN
Sat, 13 Jun 2026Munsayac, Celones get FMA award
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 13 Jun 2026Weigh-In Results for Sanman 101: Laurente Eyes Home Victory
Fri, 12 Jun 2026