Rafael Espinoza to Defend WBO Featherweight Title Against Edward Vazquez on May 4

Featherweight boxing has long been a cornerstone of Mexico’s rich fighting tradition, and Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza is ready to uphold that legacy during Cinco de Mayo Weekend.

Espinoza will defend his WBO featherweight world title against former title challenger Edward Vazquez on Sunday, May 4, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The bout will serve as the co-feature to the highly anticipated undisputed junior featherweight showdown between Naoya Inoue and San Antonio’s Ramon Cardenas.

Event Details

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ohashi Promotion, Teiken Promotions, and Sampson Boxing, the event will also feature collaborations with Zanfer Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.

Pre-sale tickets are available now.

Public on-sale begins Friday, March 14, at 10 a.m. PT via AXS.com.

Broadcast and undercard details will be announced soon.

Espinoza’s Journey to Greatness

Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) made his name in Mexico before shocking two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez for the WBO title in December 2023. Despite being dropped in the fifth round, he rallied back, flooring Ramirez in the 12th and winning a majority decision in what was named ESPN’s Upset of the Year.

Since then, Espinoza has been dominant, securing a fourth-round TKO over Sergio Chirino before stopping Ramirez in a rematch in six rounds. Now, he looks to make his third world title defense, following in the footsteps of Mexican featherweight legends like Salvador Sanchez, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Juan Manuel Marquez.

Espinoza on Fighting in Las Vegas:

"I'm thrilled to return to the ring, especially in the city where I always dreamed of fighting, Las Vegas. Fighting at T-Mobile Arena is also a dream come true, which adds even more excitement for me. Edward Vazquez is a tough fighter who wants to take what’s mine. But I’m prepared to show him that I’m here to stay as a champion. I cannot wait for May 4 to reaffirm that once again."

Vazquez’s Road to a Title Shot

Vazquez (17-2, 4 KOs), from Fort Worth, Texas, began his career 11-0 before suffering a controversial split decision loss to eventual world champion Raymond Ford in 2022.

He rebounded with four consecutive victories, then stepped up in weight to challenge undefeated IBF junior lightweight champion Joe Cordina in November 2023. Though he pushed Cordina to the brink in Monte Carlo, the champion retained his title via majority decision.

Vazquez bounced back with a decision win over Daniel Bailey in May, then scored a fourth-round stoppage of Kenneth Taylor in October. Now, he gets his long-awaited chance at featherweight gold.

Vazquez on His Title Shot:

"May 4 can’t get here soon enough. I started boxing at eight years old and have been a pro for over nine years. Nothing has ever been handed to me. I earned this opportunity. Espinoza is a fantastic fighter and a deserving champion, but he has never stepped into the ring with someone like ‘Kid’ Vazquez."

With two world title fights on the card, Cinco de Mayo Weekend in Las Vegas promises to deliver high-stakes action for boxing fans worldwide.