(Nov. 27, 2024) — Emanuel Navarrete and Oscar Valdez are two of this generation’s most accomplished Mexican warriors, and they enter their December 7 rematch at Footprint Center in Phoenix with something to prove.

WBO junior lightweight world champion Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) returns to defend his crown following May’s decision defeat to Denys Berinchyk for the vacant WBO lightweight world title. While he fell short in his mission to become a four-weight world champion, Navarrete intends to re-assert his place atop the division hierarchy.

Former two-weight champion Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs) hopes to become a two-time junior lightweight king and avenge his August 2023 decision loss to Navarrete. That evening, Navarrete prevailed by unanimous decision in a toe-to-toe battle that left Valdez bruised and bloodied.

Navarrete trained in the mountains of Mexico, while Valdez spent more than two months in San Diego. This is what they had to say ahead of the sequel.

Emanuel Navarrete

“There is a lot of pride at stake, especially in a Mexico vs. Mexico battle. When you have that dynamic, there’s always going to be pride. Valdez and I know that adds more significance to this fight.”

“I believe it will be an even better fight because we are familiar with one another. That will lead to more exchanges and better action for the fans.”

“I’m working hard because I know I must push Valdez to his limits. The second half of the fight will be less about technique and more about physical training and who is the best prepared to withstand the punches.”

“I know what happened against Berinchyk. Nothing was controversial about it, and I want to return to lightweight one day. When I fight at lightweight again, I will be much better than I was against Berinchyk.”

Oscar Valdez 

“I have a few more battles left in me. I feel great. I showed I had a lot left in my last fight when I beat Liam Wilson. I was emotional because I knew beating Wilson would punch my ticket to an even bigger fight. I am excited to be sharing the ring with a warrior like ‘Vaquero’ again and to have the opportunity to win the WBO junior lightweight championship.”

“I’m at the point of my career where I appreciate everything and enjoy every moment, whether running, sparring, or just having a coffee. I enjoy the fights and am grateful for everything in life.”

“I’m back in the gym training for a second opportunity at Navarrete, looking at what we did wrong, watching film, and working hard to correct mistakes. Not everyone gets a second chance. I will make the most of it. I’m not wasting days.”

“I know what to expect from Navarrete. I know what to train for. I’ve trained hard and smart for this fight. In the first fight, I made several mistakes. My biggest mistake was trying to knock out my opponent. I always want to give the fans what they pay for, but I focused on the knockout instead of sticking to my game plan. I’m working smarter, fighting smarter, and bringing in sparring partners that better imitate his style.”

“The boxing fans in Arizona are incredibly supportive. Some of the most memorable nights of my career have taken place there, and I look forward to giving the fans in Phoenix an action-packed battle.”

Navarrete-Valdez II and the featherweight rematch between WBO champion Rafael Espinoza and Cuban star Robeisy Ramirez will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT. Sky Sports will have coverage in the U.K. and Ireland.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.

(Nov. 26, 2024) — Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza and Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez thrilled fans with a Fight of the Year contender last December, and both look to pick up where their dramatic 12th round left off in their December 7 rematch at Phoenix’s Footprint Center.

Espinoza (25-0, 21 KOs) edged Ramirez via majority decision to capture the WBO featherweight world title in ESPN’s Upset of the Year. From the time ring announcer Mark Shunock said “AND NEW,” a rematch appeared inevitable.

However, both men returned in June with different dance partners. Espinoza dispatched Sergio Chirino in just four rounds in his first title defense, while Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs) returned one week later to blast out Brandon Benitez with a dazzling uppercut in the seventh round.

Espinoza, a 6-foot-1 Mexican phenom, wants to prove that his first victory was no fluke. Ramirez, a two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist, is determined to reclaim his throne after personal struggles impacted his performance in their initial encounter.

Espinoza trained at home in Guadalajara, while Ramirez held camp in Las Vegas. This is what they had to say ahead of Part II.

Rafael Espinoza

“I know it will be a war. And it’ll help that I can fight against any version of Ramirez. I’ll be ready whether he wants to fight at a close range or from a distance. Like I said before the first fight, I’m not leaving without the title.”

“I’m preparing for the best version of Ramirez because I know that’s who I’ll face on fight night. And that’s exactly what I want. I want him at his best so there won’t be doubts or excuses when I win.”

“My confidence has grown. My mentality, approach to training, and commitment have all changed. I’m three times more committed than in the first fight, and I think I showed that against Chirino. I want to prove it again against Ramirez.”

“I know I have to stay completely focused in this fight. I made a mistake the first time, and it cost me. So, we’re focusing on being 100 percent concentrated because losing focus is easy when you get comfortable in the ring. I can’t afford to lose focus for even a second. That will be a key difference in this fight.”

“My top priority is to defeat Ramirez on December 7. After that, we’ll see who I can unify with. For now, my sole focus is beating Ramirez.”

Robeisy Ramirez 

“In camp, my father got really sick. He almost passed away. That affected me a lot. My father is in Cuba, and I can’t go back. I couldn’t visit him in the hospital. So, that affected me greatly.”

“That was not the best version of me in the first fight. And despite that, I was still able to deliver a great show. So, I do not doubt the second fight will be better.”

“He didn’t surprise me in the first fight. We all know how Mexican fighters are. They never give up. But, given my personal issues, I was not in the best condition. Nevertheless, if the judges saw that he deserved the decision, that’s fine.”

“I have characterized myself as a fighter who gets up whenever he is knocked down. I have a champion mentality and will be a champion again.”

“Everyone knows that I am a warrior. And I have the Cuban school of boxing. But as the Mexicans say, I also have the huevos to stand in the center of the ring and go to war.”

“A victory would put me where I belong. We have to see how this fight will unfold, but unification showdowns and fights against the best of the division are always on the table.”

The Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez II junior lightweight world title showdown and Espinoza-Ramirez co-feature will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT. Sky Sports will have coverage in the U.K. and Ireland.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.  

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Nov. 7, 2024) — Nearly seven months after falling short in his first attempt at an interim world title, welterweight contender Giovani “El Gallo de Oro” Santillan is set to reignite his charge towards the top of the division.

Santillan will square off against Ghana’s Frederick Lawson in a 10-round showdown on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Santillan-Lawson joins a stacked undercard streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+.

The ESPN-televised doubleheader (10:30 p.m. ET/ 7:30 p.m. PT) will feature a pair of world title rematches. In the main event, Emanuel “El Vaquero” Navarrete defends his WBO junior lightweight world title against Oscar Valdez in an all-Mexican duel.

In the co-feature, WBO featherweight world champion Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza defends his strap against Cuban star Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.  

Santillan (32-1, 17 KOs) steadily climbed the welterweight rankings during his 12-year career. He had a standout 2023, defeating longtime contender Erick Bone in July before shocking the boxing world with a six-round demolition of Alexis Rocha in October. His performance solidified his place among the welterweight elite, earning him a crack at the WBO interim title against Brian Norman Jr. in May. Santillan was knocked out in the 10th round, and Norman was later elevated to full champion. Lawson (30-5, 22 KOs) fell to Vergil Ortiz Jr. in January and Rocha in March after beating Estevan Villalobos last April.

A trio of undefeated Mexican-American talents has also been added to the ESPN+ undercard that also includes heavyweight standout Richard Torrez Jr. (11-0, 10 KOs) and junior welterweight phenom Emiliano Fernando Vargas (12-0, 10 KO) in eight-rounders:

Featherweight powerhouse Albert “Chop Chop” Gonzalez (11-0, 7 KOs) will take on Argentina’s Gerardo Antonio Perez (12-6-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round showdown. Gonzalez, the latest hard-hitting standout from the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, signed a long-term promotional deal with Top Rank in August. He is 4-0 with four knockouts in 2024 and returns following a third-round stoppage over Edgar de la Cruz Gonzalez in September.
 
Fast-rising junior bantamweight dynamo Steven “Kid Dynamite” Navarro (4-0, 3 KOs) makes his fifth appearance of 2024 in a six-rounder versus Puerto Rico’s Gabriel Bernardi (7-1, 3 KOs). A decorated amateur standout, Navarro made his pro debut in April and signed with Top Rank later that month. He made his Top Rank debut with a six-round unanimous decision against Juan Pablo Meza in June before notching TKO wins over Israel Camacho in August and Oscar Arroyo in September. 

Welterweight prospect Art Barrera Jr. (6-0, 4 KOs) will see action in a six-round tilt against an opponent to be named. Barrera seeks to earn his fifth triumph of the year after decisioning Javier Mayoral in July.

# # #

 
About Footprint Center

Located in downtown Phoenix, Footprint Center is a world-class sports and entertainment venue that is home to the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and the industry’s biggest and brightest concerts and shows. For more information, visit FootprintCenter.com and follow for news and updates on Instagram, Facebook and X.

Rafael Espinoza made the first defense of the WBO Featherweight title with a four-round beatdown of Sergio Chirino at The Fontainbleau Las Vegas.

In round one, Espinoza landed a perfect short left uppercut under an attempted right of Chirino that landed right on Chirino’s jaw that put the challenger on the canvas. In round three, Espinoza dropped Chirino by landing a right uppercut that was followed by a left to the body. In round four, the relentless Espinoza landed a big uppercut on the chin that was followed up by another tapping uppercut that made Chirino wilt to the canvas and the fight was stopped at

Espinoza at 6’1″ is the tallest featherweight champion history and the 125-pound native of Guadalajara, MEX is 25-0 with 21 knockouts. Chirino, 125.6 lbs of Oaxaca, MEX is 23-2.

Espinoza said, “From the beginning, the hunger that I have to triumph, to be better and to move forward was apparent. I gave my heart, and it shows.

“We had a plan to control our distance in the fight. But I like throwing punches and showing people what they want to see, which is action. That’s why I went forward as soon as the first round began. I don’t like going backward.

“I’m here. It’s my time. The time of ‘El Divino.’ I want to unify, and I want the big challenges.” 

Andres Cortes Decisions Abraham Nova

Andres Cortes won a 10-round unanimous decision over Abrham Nova in a junior lightweight bout.

In round three, Cortes was cut over his left eye from an accidental headbutt.

It seemed like Nova pulled out the decision by being more active down the stretch but it was Cortes who won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94.

Cortes landed 172 of 497 punches. Nova was 196 of 783.

Cortes, who was over the 130-pound weight limit at 130.8 lbs is now 22-0. Nova, 129.7 lbs of Albany, NY is 23-3.

Cortes said, “It was a tough fight. I knew he was a tough competitor. He just went 12 rounds with a world champion. So, I knew it would be a tough one.

“He was very dirty in there. He called me a dirty fighter, but he was really dirty in there. All these headbutts and stuff. But it was a good fight. No excuses. I dug deep and got the victory.”

Nova said, “This is boxing. This is what happens. I started a bit slow. But then I got my rhythm. I went in there, and I did what I had to do. He hit me a lot behind the head.

“This is boxing. All I’ve got to go is back to drawing board, fix a couple things and come back.” 

In a battle of undefeated middleweight fighters who were amateur stars, Troy Isley won a 10-round unanimous decision over Javier Martinez.

In round seven, Martinez was deducted a point for low blows. A round later, it was Isley who had a point taken away for the same infraction.

Isley landed 206 of 674. Martinez was 134 of 553.

Isley, 158.9 lbs of Alexandria, VA won by scores of 97-91 twice and 96-92 and is now 13-0. Martinez, 159.8 lbs of Milwaukee is 10-1-1.

Isley said, “His two wins over me as an amateur meant nothing. The talent gap showed. We’re on to bigger things now. I want the champions soon.
 
“We knew to box him. We didn’t want to make it a firefight. I had to stay composed and box him.”

Floyd Diaz remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Francisco Pedroza in a bantamweight fight.

In round six, Pedroza was deducted a point for hitting on the break.

Diaz, 117.8 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 78-73 on all cards and is now 12-0. Pedroza, 117.5 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is now 18-12-2.

DJ Zamora III remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Juan Antonio Meza in a junior lightweight bout.

Zamora, 131.5 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is now 13-0. Meza, 131.2 lbs of Torreon, MEX is 9-10.

Steven Navarro won a six-round unanimous decision over Juan Pablo Meza in a junior bantamweight fight.

Navarro, 115.7 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 2-0. Meza, 114.8 lbs of Santiago, CHL is 7-4.

Bryan Polaco remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over Richard Acevedo in a six-round middleweight fight.

In round three, Polcao dropped Acevedo with a combination. Seconds later, it was a one-two that forced Acevedo’s glove to touch the canvas for a second knockdown. Later in the round, Acevedo began to swell from under his left eye. With Acevedo on unsteady legs, the bout was stopped at 2:51.

Polaco, 156 lbs of Fajardo, PR is 7-0 with five knockouts. Acevedo, 156.3 lbs of Oxnard, CA is 6-1-1.

 •  Rafael Espinoza 125.6 lbs. vs. Sergio Chirino 125.6 lbs
(Espinoza’s WBO Featherweight World Title – 12 Rounds)
Judges: Tim Cheatham, Max De Luca and Steve Weisfeld
Referee: Raul Caiz Jr.

   •  Andres Cortes 130.8 lbs vs. Abraham Nova 129.7 lbs
(Vacant NABO Junior Lightweight Title — 10 Rounds)
Judges: Glenn Feldman, Patricia Morse Jarman, Dave Moretti
Referee: Robert Hoyle
* Cortes weighed in .8 pounds over the junior lightweight limit. Only Nova is eligible to win the title.

•  Troy Isley 158.9 lbs vs. Javier Martinez 159.8 lbs
(Vacant NABO Middleweight Title — 10 Rounds)
Judges: Chris Migliore, Steve Weisfeld and Zachary Young
Referee: Tony Weeks

•   Floyd Diaz 117.8 lbs vs.  Francisco Pedroza 117.5 lbs
 (Bantamweight — 8 Rounds)

•   DJ Zamora 131.5 lbs vs. Jose Antonio Meza 131.2 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Steven Navarro 115.7 lbs vs. Juan Pablo Meza 114.8 lbs
 (Junior Bantamweight — 6 Rounds)

•    Bryan Polaco 156 lbs vs. Richard Acevedo 156.3 lbs
 (Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

LAS VEGAS (June 19, 2024) —Two Mexican warriors are set to author another chapter in their country’s historic saga of championship battles.

Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza (24-0, 20 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBO featherweight world title against Sergio Chirino (22-1, 13 KOs) this Friday, June 21, inside BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. 

In the 10-round junior lightweight co-feature, Andres “Savage”Cortes (21-0, 12 KOs) and Abraham “El Super” Nova (23-2, 16 KOs) will collide in a high-stakes battle presented in association with Murphys Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotion. 

In a 10-round special attraction, unbeaten middleweights Troy Isley (12-0, 5 KOs) and Javier Martinez (10-0-1, 3 KOs) will reignite a fierce amateur rivalry.

Espinoza-Chirino, Cortes-Nova, and Isley-Martinez headline a stacked card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ and Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.com.

This is what the fighters had to say at Wednesday’s press conference.

Rafael Espinoza

“I’m excited, and I’m happy. My heart is jumping because this is another dream come true. This is another reason why I started boxing, and now, it’s happening, thank God. I’m very happy to be here with all my people, and I’m excited and waiting for the day to come.”

“The only thing that changed about my life is that now people call me a champion. I have also learned a lot. I have learned to enjoy the moment and to work as a champion. With me and my family, it has all been the same. They are with me, and that’s what is important.”

“Every time anyone has an opportunity like this, they come to win, and we’re conscious of that. And that’s why we worked hard. I’ve done all the work, and I do my talking in the ring. I don’t like to talk outside of the ring. So, the best man will win. The champion will win.”

Sergio Chirino

“We are happy because the opportunity for a world title is here. And we’re excited because, like any boxer, we want to achieve this dream. We’re here, and we’re going for it Friday night.”

“When there are two Mexicans in the ring, it is always a great show. And in this fight, there will be a surprise.”

“We came here to tell the same story Rafael did when he {won the world title}. So, we’re going to win that world title and be the first to do it from Oaxaca.”

Andres Cortes

“I spoke this fight into existence, and you gotta be careful what you ask for.”

“I believe in my team. I believe in my skills and everything I do. So, I’m ready for whatever.”

“I don’t think I’m a dirty fighter. At the end of the day, it’s a fight in there. So, you do what you gotta do.” 

Abraham Nova

“I have incredible skills. I feel like I’m really underrated in my skill set. I had a lot of tweaks that I fixed from my past fights. I fixed some things in camp, and staying active has helped me in my training. I feel like my skills, experience, and the journey I’ve been on in my boxing career will prevail and show out Friday night to get that victory.”

“I need credible names. Andres Cortes is undefeated and has beaten some good names. This is the type of fight I need to get back in the mix to fight for a world title.”

“People can say whatever they want about me. His people can say stuff. My people can say stuff. That doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, our fists do the talking. Our fists do the work, and Friday night, you guys are gonna see me shine.”

Troy Isley

“This fight means everything to me. It’s a little get-back. He won the last two times. I’m here to show him that it’s different now. There’s new levels to this.”

“He’s in the way of my dreams. That title right there, I need it around my waist. He’s in the way, so I need to get him up out of there.”

“I’ve been there with the best. I’ve been working with ‘Bud’ Crawford. I got some rounds in with Carlos Adames, some champions. I’m not worried about anything he’s bringing to the table. I’m the better fighter at this level.”

Javier Martinez

“The feeling is mutual. This is the pros, so I feel like I’m better on this stage.”

“I never ducked nobody. They offered me the fight, so I took it. Simple as that.”

“I had a good training camp. I sparred some good sparring partners. I’m just confident. So, 10 rounds, five rounds, two rounds, I’m going to get it done.”

Steven Navarro

“I want to show the world that Bob Arum made an amazing choice by signing me. I’m just going up from here.”

Friday, June 21

FIRST BELL: LIVE on ESPN+ (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)
 

Rafael Espinoza vs. Sergio Chirino, 12 rounds, Espinoza’s WBO Featherweight World Title

Andres Cortes vs. Abraham Nova, 10 rounds, Vacant NABO Junior Lightweight Title 

Troy Isley vs. Javier Martinez, 10 rounds, Vacant NABO Middleweight Title

Floyd Diaz vs. Francisco Pedroza, 8 rounds, Bantamweight 
 
DJ Zamora vs. Jose Antonio Meza, 8 rounds, Junior Lightweight
 
Steven Navarro vs. Juan Pablo Meza, 6 rounds, Junior Bantamweight 

Bryan Polaco vs. Richard Acevedo, 6 rounds, Middleweight

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN, presented by AutoZone, Espinoza vs. Chirino streams this Friday, June 21, at approximately 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT exclusively on ESPN+. The event takes place inside BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. 

In the main event, Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza will make the first defense of his WBO featherweight world title against Sergio Chirino.

Espinoza (24-0, 20 KOs) devoted over a decade to his pro career before capturing the WBO featherweight world title in a “Fight of the Year” contender against Robeisy Ramirez last year. Standing at 6’1,” he is the tallest world champion in featherweight history, a division that has included Mexican greats such as Ruben Olivares, Salvador Sanchez, Erik Morales, and Marco Antonio Barrera.

Chirino (22-1, 13 KOs) went 9-0 before an early loss to eventual world titleholder Mauricio Lara in 2018. Since then, he has remained unbeaten, tallying wins in different parts of Mexico. The 29-year-old hopes to make history by becoming the first world champion from the Mexican state of Oaxaca.

Andres “Savage” Cortes and Abraham “El Super” Nova will collide in the 10-round junior lightweight co-feature.

Nova (23-2, 16 KOs) went 17-0 before entering a co-promotional agreement with Top Rank in early 2020. He suffered his first professional setback in June 2022. Following the loss, Nova moved back to junior lightweight, notching victories over Adam Lopez and former world champion Jonathan Romero before a split decision loss in his first world title shot against O’Shaquie Foster in February.

Cortes (21-0, 12 KOs), a Las Vegas native, made his mark in July 2020, securing a decision victory against Alejandro Salinas. Since 2021, he has gone 5-0 with three knockouts, including last year’s seventh-round stoppage win over Xavier Martinez and a fourth-round TKO against Bryan Chevalier in February.

Undercard action begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and culminates with a 10-round feature between unbeaten middleweights and former U.S. amateur rivals. Troy “The Transformer” Isley (12-0, 5 KOs)and Javier “Milwaukee Made” Martinez (10-0-1, 3 KOs).

Calling the action will be ESPN’s Joe Tessitore, Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna, who was recently inducted into the National Boxing Hall of Fame. 

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Espinoza vs. Chirino (All Times ET)

About ESPN

About ESPN+

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 17, 2024) – Top Rank’s undefeated super featherweight contender, Andres “Savage” Cortes (21-0, 12 KOs), currently ranked WBO #2 and WBC #14, takes another step up in competition when he battles WBC # 4 rated Abraham Nova (23-2, 16 KOs) this Friday, June 21, at the BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Cortes vs. Nova will serve as the 10-round co-main event to Rafael Espinoza, who will defend his WBO featherweight world title against Sergio Chirino in the 12-round main event attraction.

Espinoza-Chirino, Cortes-Nova and Isley-Martinez headline a stacked card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ and Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Cortes, who recently wrapped up his training camp in Las Vegas, discusses his upcoming matchup with Nova, his recent training camp, fighting at home, and more. Here is what Cortes had to say.

On his recent training camp:

“This has been one of my better training camps as I was fully focused on executing the game plan for Nova during all sparring sessions. I’ve grown a lot as a fighter during the last couple of months and I’ll be ready to put on a great performance for the fans. My weight is in place and all the hard work is paying off.”

On his matchup with Abraham Nova:

“I believe this will be the most difficult fight of my career. Nova has fought for a world title already and knows what its like to fight at the championship level. I must break him down and make adjustments. My brother (Luis) has a perfect game plan that we’ve been working on and I will follow instructions as the fight goes on.”

On what a win will do for his career:

“A win puts me in position to fight for a world title so this will be the turning point of my career. A victory will solidify me as one of the best fighters in the super featherweight division. More opportunities will come my way with a win.”

On fighting in his hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada on ESPN in co-main event:

“Fighting at home in Las Vegas brings the best out of me because all my family and friends will be in attendance. I want to give my fans my best performance and scoring a knockout will be the goal. The exposure that I will get fighting on ESPN is something I look forward too, and I’m grateful to Top Rank, my promoter, for this opportunity. 

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. 

LAS VEGAS (May 10, 2024) — Another chapter in Mexico’s historic saga of intra-national showdowns is set to unfold.
 
Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza will make the first defense of his WBO featherweight world title against Sergio Chirino on Friday, June 21, inside BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Espinoza-Chirino will mark the 161st all-Mexican world title fight and the 20th at featherweight. 

The 10-round junior lightweight co-feature will see Andres “Savage” Cortes and Abraham “El Super” Nova collide in a high-stakes battle presented in association with Murphys Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotion. 
 
In a 10-round special attraction, unbeaten middleweights Troy Isley and Javier Martinez will reignite a fierce amateur rivalry.

Espinoza-Chirino, Cortes-Nova and Isley-Martinez headline a stacked card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ and Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, tickets go on sale Tuesday, May 14, at 12 p.m. PT via Ticketmaster.com.
 
“From top to bottom, this is a truly great card that promises action, and we’re thrilled to be doing our first show at the beautiful Fontainebleau Las Vegas,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Espinoza can be Mexico’s next great champion, but he has a tough assignment in Chirino. Andres Cortes and Abraham Nova is a great grudge match, and the winner will be in great position to challenge for a world title.”
 
“Espinoza-Chirino is one of this year’s most anticipated fights, and we could not be prouder to host it at BleauLive Theater, a sports fan’s paradise where you will feel the intensity of every punch no matter where you’re seated,” says Fontainebleau Las Vegas Senior Vice President of Entertainment, Fedor Banuchi. “Espinoza-Chirino title bout underscores Fontainebleau’s 70-year legacy of delivering premier entertainment to our guests and solidifies our status as a top-tier destination for live events.”
 
Espinoza (24-0, 20 KOs) devoted over a decade to his pro career before capturing the WBO featherweight world title in a Fight of the Year contender against Robeisy Ramirez last December. Despite being knocked down in the fifth after taking an early lead, Espinoza rallied late and dropped Ramirez in the twelfth, nearly stopping him before the final bell. Espinoza earned a majority decision in a stunning upset. Standing at 6’1,” he is the tallest world champion in featherweight history, a division that has included Mexican greats such as Ruben Olivares, Salvador Sanchez, Erik Morales, and Marco Antonio Barrera.
 
Espinoza said, “I’m excited to return to the ring. I’m training very hard like always. I know that I’ll be facing a Mexican compatriot who is coming to win. I will be ready to defend my title with a lot of grit and heart. And that’s what I’ll do in the ring, fight with a lot of heart and win my first title defense.” 

Chirino (22-1, 13 KOs) went 9-0 before an early loss to eventual world titleholder Mauricio Lara in August 2018. Since then, he has remained unbeaten, tallying wins in different parts of Mexico. Last year, he decisioned Ally Mwerangi and Sebastian Tinoco Chavez before making his 2024 debut in February by stopping Dennis Contreras with a body shot in the third round. The 29-year-old hopes to make history by becoming the first world champion to come from the Mexican state of Oaxaca.  
 
Chirino said, “We Mexicans are known for having a lot of heart. And whenever there are two of us in the ring, it’s a battle. I’m happy for the opportunity, but at the same time, I know I’ve earned it. I’m coming for that belt. I have a lot of experience. There will be a problem in the ring, and that problem is Espinoza. But I will solve that problem and take home the victory.”
 
Nova (23-2, 16 KOs) had an impressive amateur career spanning almost 200 fights, with notable wins against Frank Martin, Richardson Hitchins, and Nahir Albright. As a pro, he went 17-0 before entering a co-promotional agreement with Top Rank in early 2020. He suffered his first professional setback in June 2022 via a one-punch knockout against Ramirez at featherweight. Following the loss, Nova moved back to junior lightweight, notching victories over Adam Lopez and former world champion Jonathan Romero before a split decision loss in his first world title shot against O’Shaquie Foster in February.
 
Nova said, “We’ve been on a collision course for a long time. It was eventually going to happen. Andres has been nipping at my heels for a while, calling me out and running his mouth at press conferences. Well, on June 21 in Las Vegas, he’s going to get a taste of what he’s been craving. Be careful what you wish for. No Fear! No Doubt!”
 
Cortes (21-0, 12 KOs), a Las Vegas native, made his mark in July 2020 by overcoming a visit to the canvas to secure a decision victory against Alejandro Salinas at the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble. In 2021, he maintained his momentum by outpointing Eduardo Garza in May, knocking out former world title challenger Genesis Servania in the first round in August and vanquishing Mark Bernaldez in three rounds in November. The 26-year-old inked a deal with Top Rank the following March and has since gone 5-0 with three knockouts, including last July’s seventh-round stoppage win over Xavier Martinez and February’s fourth-round TKO against Bryan Chevalier.

“This is going to be a painful night for Abraham Nova. He thinks I’m his ticket to another title shot, but I am going to plant him on the canvas,” Cortes said. “I’m ready for a title shot, and nobody, especially not Nova, will stop me from achieving my dream.”
 
Isley (12-0, 5 KOs) kicked off his pro career in February 2021 and notched his first 10 wins before joining forces with 2023 Trainer of the Year Brian “BoMac” McIntyre. Since then, the Olympian has excelled, registering a dominant points verdict over Mexican veteran Vladimir Hernandez last November on the Shakur Stevenson-Edwin De Los Santos bill before knocking out Marcos Hernandez in round seven in March. Martinez (10-0-1, 3 KOs), a five-time national champion, started his professional journey in July 2020. He only has one blemish, a split draw against Joeshon James. The Milwaukee native is coming off his most significant victory, an eight-round decision over Raul Salomon in February.

Isley and Martinez are familiar foes, having fought four times as amateurs. Isley bested Martinez in the finals of the 2016 and 2017 U.S. National Championships. Martinez responded with victories at the 2018 U.S. National Championships and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

“This isn’t the amateurs anymore,” Isley said. “Javier is going to see the difference in skill when we fight on June 21 in Las Vegas. He’s a tough fighter with a lot of heart, but that won’t be enough for him to win the fight.”
 
“This is the end of the rivalry. We fought some great battles as amateurs, and this one is the tiebreaker,” Martinez said.  “I’ve wanted this fight ever since I turned pro, and on June 21, I will show Troy that our last two amateur fights were not a fluke. I was the better fighter then, and I am the better fighter now.”
 
The undercard includes a pair of Las Vegas natives and the Top Rank debut of a fast-rising prodigy:
 
·      Bantamweight prospect Floyd Diaz (11-0, 3 KOs) makes his second 2024 appearance in an eight-round tilt versus Francisco Pedroza (18-11-2, 10 KOs). The Las Vegas native shined with an eight-round decision over Puerto Rican vet Edwin Rodriguez in March. Pedroza, after giving stiff tests to Gary Antonio Russell and Jason Moloney, bested three-time Olympian Rau’shee Warren over six rounds in August 2022.
 
·      Junior lightweight southpaw DJ Zamora (12-0, 9 KOs), also a native of Las Vegas, will face Jose Antonio Meza (9-9, 2 KOs) in an eight-round contest. The 21-year-old earned two victories in 2023, dispatching Jesus Abel Ibarra in three rounds in March and decisioning Nikolai Buzolin across eight in July.
 
·      Junior bantamweight phenom Steven Navarro (1-0, 1 KO) will make his Top Rank debut in a six-rounder against Juan Pablo Meza (7-3, 2 KOs). The 13-time U.S. national amateur champion entered the professional ranks by stopping Jose Lopez in six in April.
 
·      Albert Gonzalez (8-0, 4 KOs), a featherweight standout trained by Robert Garcia, takes on Conrado Martinez (9-1) in a six-rounder. Gonzalez returns after blasting out Joel Alberto Mora last month.
  

# # #

 
About BleauLive Theater
BleauLive Theater is the entertainment hub of Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a 90,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, customizable theater capable of hosting up to 3,800 guests. More information about Fontainebleau Las Vegas dining, events, entertainment, rooms and suites can be found at fontainebleaulasvegas.com.
 
About Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a 67-story, vertically integrated luxury resort. Rooted in the 70-year history of the iconic Fontainebleau brand, Fontainebleau Las Vegas brings a legacy of timeless elegance and unparalleled service to the Strip. Certified by the Green Building Initiative with three Green Globes, the resort’s thoughtful design allows guests to move effortlessly among 3,644 luxury hotel rooms and suites, 550,000 square feet of customizable meeting and convention space, 150,000 square feet of gaming space, a collection of world-class restaurants and shops, exquisite pools, vibrant nightlife, and vitality-enhancing spa and wellness offerings. Located at 2777 S. Las Vegas Blvd., adjacent to the acclaimed Las Vegas Convention Center expansion, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is created by Fontainebleau Development in partnership with Koch Real Estate Investments.

Rafael Espinosa wrestled the WBO Featherweight title with an action packed 12-round majority decision over Robeisy Ramirez at The Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

The taller Espinosa had a good start to the fight as he was able to get inside and land punches. Ramirez was able to get in some decent shots of his own. In round five, Ramirez landed a right hook that sent Espinosa to the deck. Espinosa got up but fell back down at the bell.

The two traded flurries of punches which thrilled the sold out crowd which favored the Cuban born Ramirez. In round 12, Espinosa’s pressure finally wilted Ramirez and dropped the now-former champion with a flurry that was capped by a left hook.

That seemed to be the difference as Espinosa won by scores of 115-111, 114-112 and 113-113.

Espinosa, 125.3 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is now 22-0. Ramirez, 125.6 lbs of Cuba is 13-2.

Espinoza said, “I didn’t think about anything in here. I just thought about winning. I even asked what round we were in. And I knew that I had to drop him in order to win. I just put my heart into it. I always do that. And thank God it happened.

“I think I’ve had a broken foot since the second round. But what kept me on my feet was my daughter, my parents, my wife and my family. I knew that all of Mexico was watching me. And I knew that I had to become a world champion.”

Ramirez said, “We did what we always do. We followed what Ismael Salas told us to do. We scored the knockdown and tried to end the fight, but it didn’t happen.

“I thought the fight was won. But he got his second wind. I tried to catch mine. But I’ve got to give him credit. He came after me. He got the knockdown. I didn’t think it would determine the result, but that’s what the judges decided.”

Zayas Stops Fortea in 5

Promising Xander Zayas stopped Jorge Fortea in round five of their 10-round junior middleweight bout.

In round one, Zayas dropped Fortea with a left to the body. In round five, it as another left to the body that put Fortea down for the 10-count at 1:37.

Zayas, 153.6 lbs of San Juan, PR is 18-0 with 12 knockouts. Fortea, 153,7 lbs of Souce, ESP is 24-4-1.

Zayas, “We knew that he likes to keep his elbows out. And it was just a matter of time after we got him in the first round. After that, he went into survival mode and brought his elbows down. But then we got him with another body shot.”

Good looking Bruce Carrington remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Jason Sanchez in a 10-round featherweight fight.

In round two, Carrington rocked Sanchez with a right. He followed him around the ring and dropped Sanchez with a hard right. Sanchez was not all the way back and then ate a left hook just before the bell and went to the canvas again and the fight was over at 2:59.

Carrington, 125.8 lbs of Brooklyn is 10-0 with six knockouts. Sanchez, 125.7 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 16-5.

Carrington said, “This was a statement to the rest of the featherweight division. I want all the smoke. It doesn’t’ matter who it is.”

Richard Torrez Jr. had to almost go the distance for the first time. The key word is almost as he stopped veteran Curtis Harper in the eighth and final round of their heavyweight bout.

Torrez battered Harper throughout the fight and finished him with a hard flurry of punches on the ropes before a referee stoppage at 2:03.

Torrez, 230.8 lbs of Tulure, CA is 8-0 with eight knockouts. Harper, 273.9 lbs of Clarksville, TN is 14-11.

Torrez said, “I knew I needed the rounds, and Curtis Harper was a tough, game opponent. This is an experience that will only help me as I progress.
 
“When I saw his mouthpiece fly out, I knew the knockout was coming. I’m happy I got the rounds in and a knockout.”

Jahi Tucker and Francisco Daniel Veron fought to a eight-round majority draw in a junior middleweight contest.

Tucker won a scorecard by a 77-75 tally, that was overruled by two 76-76 cards.

Tucker, 155.2 lbs of Deer Park, NY is 10-1-1. Veron, 155.1 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 13-0-1.

Rohan Polanco scored a sixth round stoppage over Keith Hunter in a eight-round junior welterweight bout.

In round six, Polanco hurt Hunter and landed a huge flurry of punches and the fight was stopped at 2:06. Hunter was visibly upset and may have struck the referee.

Polanco, 142.9 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is now 11-0 with seven knockouts. Hunter, 139.3 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is now 15-2.

Tiger Johnson remained undefeated with an eight-round split decision over Jimmer Espinosa in a junior welterweight bout.

Johnson, 141.6 lbs of Cleveland won by scores of 79-73 and 78-74, while Espinosa took a card 77-75.

Johnson is now 11-0. Espinosa, 141.2 lbs of Tuxtl, MEX is 15-2.

Damian Knyba remained undefeated with eight-round unanimous decision over Michael Coffie in a heavyweight bout.

Knyba, 264.1 lbs of Wodzyn, POL won by scores 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is 13-0. Coffie, 290.9 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 13-5.

(ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

    •  Robeisy Ramirez 125.6 lbs. vs. Rafael Espinoza 125.3 lbs
(Ramirez’s WBO Featherweight World Title – 12 Rounds)

   •   Xander Zayas 153.6 lbs vs. Jorge Fortea 153.7 lbs
(Junior Middleweight — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 5:40 p.m. ET/2:40 p.m. PT)

•    Bruce Carrington 125.8 lbs  vs. Jason Sanchez 125.7 lbs 
 (Featherweight — 10 Rounds)

•  Richard Torrez Jr. 230.8 lbs vs. Curtis Harper 273.9 lbs
 (Heavyweight  — 8 Rounds)

•   Jahi Tucker 155.2 lbs vs. Francisco Daniel Veron 155.1 lbs
 (Junior Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Rohan Polanco 142.9 lbs vs. Keith Hunter 139.3 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Tiger Johnson 141.6 lbs vs. Jimmer Espinosa 141.2 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Damian Knyba 264.1 lbs vs. Michael Coffie 290.9 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 8 Rounds)

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. (Dec. 7, 2023) — Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez is ready to defend his world title in front of a crowd of Cuban supporters in South Florida. 

Ramirez (13-1, 8 KOs) will defend his WBO featherweight crown against
unbeaten Mexican contender Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza (21-0, 18 KOs) this Saturday, Dec. 9 at Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas (17-0, 11 KOs) squares off against Spain’s Jorge Fortea (24-3-1, 9 KOs).

Ramirez-Espinoza and Zayas-Fortea will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (5:40 p.m. ET/2:40 p.m. PT) features the return of rising featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (9-0, 5 KOs), who will take on former world title challenger Jason Sanchez (16-4, 9 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (7-0, 7 KOs) will face Curtis Harper (14-10, 9 KOs) in an eight-round heavyweight battle.

The undercard also sees the returns of Dominican Olympian Rohan Polanco (10-0, 6 KOs) and U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (10-0, 5 KOs) in separate eight-round junior welterweight bouts.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Robeisy Ramirez

“Aside from being very concentrated on this fight, I am also very excited and happy to be able to defend my world title in Miami, where I know my Cuban people will be in attendance. I’m excited for the show we’ll be delivering this Saturday.”

“Becoming a champion has been a change for the better. This includes the training because that is what has to change the most as you always have to be prepared for a great 12-round fight.”

“I have never struggled with taller fighters. But with regard to how I will fight, I leave that to my trainer, Ismael Salas.”

Rafael Espinoza

“This is a moment that all boxers hope for. I have been wanting this opportunity ever since I first put on a pair of gloves. Now I’m here. This means everything to me.”

“I always try to use my height advantage. My body has been blessed with this height, and I don’t even struggle to make weight. Obviously, I use it to my advantage, but like all Mexicans, I like coming forward, too.”

“My 21 fights are behind me, and what I have in front of me is this important opportunity, this world title fight.” 

Xander Zayas

“I am very happy that he’s coming well prepared and that he had all the preparation in the world because I want the best Jorge Fortea that night. I will give the best version of myself. In my last fight, I showed why I’m made for this. This next fight will be the same.”

“I don’t feel like there’s anything special {about him}. The speed is something that could concern me. He’s not faster or stronger than me, but he does have some good speed.”

Jorge Fortea

“This is boxing. And anything can happen. I’ve prepared very well because they notified me of this fight ahead of time. Normally, I’m not notified ahead of time. That’s why I’m very prepared.”

“My goal right now is to win this fight. It will move me up the ladder and allow me to have more fights at this level.”

Richard Torrez Jr. 

“I really do enjoy just being active. This kind of reminds me of the amateur days, where we’d have five fights in like five days. So sometimes it feels a little slow almost. But this is an amazing opportunity to be here to showcase all the training that we’ve been doing.”

“We’re prepared for the rounds. If the opportunity comes to have a knockout, I’m not going to pass it up. I go out there to showcase what I’ve been able to do, and if a punch lands, a punch lands.” 

Bruce Carrington

“I’m really focused on this fight. But I also want to stay as consistent as I am. I love being inside the ring. This is my fifth fight this year. I want to give the fans more of me and more of what they want to see in 2024.”

“It’s really important for me to really put on a show for everyone so we can enjoy the holidays.”

Saturday, December 9

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Robeisy Ramirez vs. Rafael Espinoza, 12 rounds, Ramirez’s WBO Featherweight World Title

Xander Zayas vs. Jorge Fortea, 10 rounds, junior middleweight

ESPN+ (5:40 p.m. ET/2:40 p.m. PT)Bruce Carrington vs. Jason Sanchez, 10 rounds, featherweight

Damian Knyba vs. Michael Coffie, 8 rounds, heavyweight

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Ramirez vs. Espinoza will be presented live this Saturday, December 9, at 10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT, on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ from Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

In the main event, Cuban WBO featherweight world champion Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez puts his belt on the line against unbeaten Mexican contender Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza. 

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Ramirez (13-1, 8 KOs) made significant strides in 2022 under trainer Ismael Salas, securing victories against Eric Donovan, Abraham Nova, and Jose Matias Romero. He continued his success in 2023 by capturing the WBO featherweight world title with a unanimous decision win over former world champion Isaac Dogboe and defending it with a fifth-round TKO against Satoshi Shimizu in July, establishing himself as a dominant force in the 126-pound division.

After more than a decade in the professional ranks, Espinoza (21-0, 18 KOs) is set for his first shot at a world title. With a towering height of 6’1″, he boasts a significant seven-inch height advantage and enters the title bout on a five-fight knockout streak, including stoppage wins this year over Rafael Rosas Ramirez and Ally Mwerangi.

In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas squares off against Spain’s Jorge Fortea.

Zayas (17-0, 11 KOs), who signed with Top Rank at 16, has been steadily rising since his pro debut in October 2019. In 2022, he secured wins over Quincy LaVallais, Alexis Salazar, and Elias Espadas, followed by victories over Ronald Cruz and Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in 2023. With his third win of the year, he aims to solidify his position as a title contender.

Fortea (24-3-1, 9 KOs), a 13-year pro from Spain, is coming off a decision win over the previously unbeaten Ismael Flores in April. He is riding a three-bout winning streak and is a former WBC Latino 154-pound belt-holder.

The undercard, featuring some of Top Rank’s best and brightest up and coming talent, streams exclusively on ESPN+ at 5:40 p.m. ET / 2:40 p.m. PT.

Calling the action will be: ESPN’s Joe Tessitore, Hall of Famer, Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna. 

ESPN.com

Out Friday: “Top 25 Under 25” list

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Ramirez vs. Espinoza (All Times ET)

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 21, 2023) — Cuban WBO featherweight king Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez is ready to end the year with his second world title defense.

Ramirez will put his belt on the line against unbeaten Mexican contender Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza onSaturday, Dec. 9 at Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida. 

In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas squares off against Spain’s Jorge Fortea.

Ramirez-Espinoza and Zayas-Fortea will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.

Ramirez (13-1, 8 KOs), a two-time Olympic gold medalist, is enjoying his most impressive year to date. The fighting pride of Cienfuegos, Cuba, soundly defeated former world champion Isaac Dogboe by unanimous decision to capture the WBO featherweight title in April. He defended his crown on enemy turf in July with a fifth-round TKO against Japanese contender Satoshi Shimizu. Espinoza (21-0, 18 KOs) is a 10-year pro who is coming off stoppage wins over compatriot Rafael Rosas Ramirez in March and Tanzania’s Ally Mwerangi in July.

Following a recent training session, this is what Ramirez had to say:

“December 9 is almost here, and it’s almost time to defend my world title against a tough opponent, Rafael ‘El Divino’ Espinoza. Everyone knows that Mexicans are warriors who always come to fight. That’s why Espinoza has my full attention, and the Mexican people have my full respect.”

“I can’t wait to fight in front of my people in South Florida. After being crowned world champion, this has been one of my most cherished dreams, and it motivates me knowing that the event is close to being sold out. So, don’t wait much longer to get your tickets, bring your Cuban flag, and join me in what I promise will be a great night for our community.”

“This has been a strong training camp with many challenges, as it usually is at this level. I am motivated to close the year strong and pursue other goals in 2024, such as being crowned unified featherweight champion.”

PEMBROKE PINES, Florida (Oct 31, 2023) – Two high-stakes showdowns top the bill on a special Top Rank on ESPN card Saturday, Dec. 9 at Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida. 
 
In the main event, Cuban WBO featherweight king Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez puts his belt on the line against unbeaten Mexican contender Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza. 
 
In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas squares off against Spain’s Jorge Fortea.
 
Ramirez-Espinoza and Zayas-Fortea will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, tickets go on sale Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com.

“We are thrilled to be back in South Florida with a loaded card featuring some incredibly talented fighters,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Ramirez has his hands full against an undefeated challenger who will not be deterred by the moment, and I know Xander Zayas wants to make a huge statement in front of his humongous South Florida fan base.”
 
Ramirez (13-1, 8 KOs), a two-time Olympic gold medalist, has been on a dominant trajectory after joining forces with trainer Ismael Salas. The 29-year-old southpaw had a tremendous 2022 in which he stopped Irish veteran Eric Donovan, then-unbeaten Puerto Rican Abraham Nova and Argentine contender Jose Matias Romero. This year has been even better for the fighting pride of Cienfuegos, Cuba, as he soundly defeated former world champion Isaac Dogboe by unanimous decision to capture the WBO featherweight title in April and defended his crown on enemy turf with a fifth-round TKO against Japanese contender Satoshi Shimizu in July.  
 
Ramirez said, “Miami is for many of us Cubans an important meeting point, where Spanish is spoken, our heritage is celebrated, and we remember our homeland daily through the city’s vibrant culture. Ever since I turned professional, I have wanted to fight near my people of Miami, where I also live. That cherished moment has finally arrived. On December 9, at the Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, I hope to have the support of the Cuban community of Miami and to see our flag waving everywhere.”
 
Espinoza (21-0, 18 KOs) has dedicated more than a decade to his career in the paid ranks, all leading up to his first opportunity at a world title. He debuted in 2013 and has fought mostly in his native Mexico, save for two early-career bouts in the U.S. A giant in his division at 6’1”, Espinoza will boast a seven-inch height advantage and is coming off a five-fight knockout streak. He tallied stoppage wins over compatriot Rafael Rosas Ramirez in March and Tanzania’s Ally Mwerangi in July.
 
Espinoza said, “I am happy and grateful for what is happening. The time has come, the opportunity of my life, and I will not waste it. Robeisy is a great champion, and I am glad to face someone like him. I know we will have a great fight, and it will go down in boxing history. I am sure of it.”
 
Zayas (17-0, 11 KOs) signed with Top Rank at 16 and has been on the path to super stardom ever since his pro debut in October 2019. In 2022, he scored eight-round decision wins over Quincy LaVallais and Alexis Salazar, along with a fifth-round TKO against Elias Espadas. In 2023, he notched a 10-round unanimous decision win over Ronald Cruz during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend in June and a fifth-round TKO against hard-hitting Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in September. Zayas aims to cement his candidacy for a title shot with his third victory of the year. Fortea (24-3-1, 9 KOs) is a 13-year pro from Spain who coming off a decision win over the previously unbeaten Ismael Flores in April. He is riding a three-bout winning streak and is a former WBC Latino 154-pound belt-holder.
 
Zayas said, “I am super motivated to close the year with one more fight in which I will be able to continue demonstrating the progress of my skills and maturity as a fighter, which I have achieved thanks to the dedication and all the hard work in the gym. The goal on December 9 is to continue showing that I am prepared for the next step.”
 
The ESPN+ undercard will showcase some of Top Rank’s best and brightest up-and-coming talents, including:
 
Rising featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (9-0, 5 KOs), the fighting pride of Brownsville, Brooklyn, will take on former world title challenger Jason Sanchez (16-4, 9 KOs). Carrington will attempt to go 5-0 this year in his first scheduled 10-rounder. Sanchez lost a unanimous decision to then-WBO featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez in June 2019.
 
Junior middleweight Jahi Tucker (10-1, 5 KOs) looks to bounce back from his first defeat in an eight-rounder against unbeaten Argentinian Francisco Daniel Veron (13-0, 10 KOs). Tucker overcame a tough Nikoloz Sekhniashvili in April, but dropped a decision to Nicklaus Flaz in July.
 
Dominican Olympian Rohan Polanco (10-0, 6 KOs) will lock horns against Keith Hunter (15-1, 9 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight tilt. Polanco returns following his most impressive win to date, a fifth-round destruction of Panamanian contender Cesar Francis in July.
 
U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (10-0, 5 KOs) makes his fourth appearance of 2023 in an eight-round junior welterweight fight against Mexico’s Jimmer Espinosa (15-1, 14 KOs). Johnson is coming off a hard-earned majority decision over Ricardo Quiroz in September.
 
Undefeated heavyweight prospect Damian “Polish Hussar” Knyba (12-0, 7 KOs), a 6-foot-7 behemoth with an 86-inch reach, takes on Scott Alexander (17-6-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-rounder.
 

# # #

 
About Charles F. Dodge Center
The Charles F. Dodge City Center has over 45,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space and boasts a modern, contemporary design that’s as intelligent as it is visually striking. The sleek lines and unique layout of the building will catch your eye, but the real gem is our Great Hall. Spanning over 23,000 square feet, it can accommodate more than 3,200 guests theater-style, 2,100 for concerts, 1,300 classroom-style, 1,120 for banquets, and over 100 exhibits for trade shows. Get ready for unforgettable experiences at the Charles F. Dodge City Center – where state-of-the-art meets community pride!

Top-ranked middleweight contender Jaime Munguia stopped D’Mitrius Ballard in round three of a scheduled 12-round fight in front of over 15,000 in Tijuana, Mexico.

In round three, Munguia hurt Ballard with a left hook and a follow-up barrage sent Ballard to the canvas. Shortly after, Munguia was all over Ballard, and a big left hook to the head forced a referee stoppage at 1:47

Munguia, 159 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is now 39-0 with 31 knockouts. Ballard, 159 lbs of Prince George County, MD is 21-1-1-1-1.

William Zepeda hit the deck once, but dropped Luis Viedas three-times en-route to a third round stoppage in a scheduled 10-round lightweight fight.

In round two, Zepeda dropped Viedas with a straight left. Later in the round, Viedas was able to shockingly put Zepeda on the deck with an inside left hook. Seconds later, Zepeda was deducted a point for shoving Viedas to the deck. In round three, Zepeda sent Viedas down with a straight left. Seconds later, Viedas landed a straight left that put Viedas down. Zepeda got in a left to the body while Viedas was down, but the referee counted 10 at 1:51.

Zepeda, 135 lbs of Mexico is 25-0 with 23 knockouts. Viedas, 135 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 29-12-1.

Diego Torres won a hard fought 10-round unanimous decision over Jonathan Escobedo in a junior welterweight bout.

In round four, the left eye of Escobedo began to bleed.

In round nine, Torres was deducted a point when his mouthpiece came out for the third time.

Torres, 140 lbs of Zapopan, MEX won by scores of 98-91 and 97-92 twice and is now 14-0. Escobedo, 140 lbs of Tonala, MEX is 8-3-1.

Rafael Espinoza stopped Alie Laurel in the opening round of their 10-round featherweight bout.

In round one, Espinoza was credited with a knockdown after sending Laurel to the canvas with a left. He scored another knockdown with a left hook and the fight was over at 1:37.

Espinoza, 125 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 18-0 with 15 knockouts. Laurel, 126 lbs of General Santos City, PHL is 18-7-1.