Espinoza Eyes Cinco de Mayo Glory, Sets Sights on Inoue Showdown

Mexico’s undefeated featherweight sensation Rafael Espinoza is ready to light up Las Vegas this Cinco de Mayo weekend.

On Sunday, May 4, the reigning WBO featherweight champion defends his crown against Texan challenger Edward Vazquez at the T-Mobile Arena. The bout serves as the co-main event to the highly anticipated junior featherweight clash between Japan’s pound-for-pound superstar Naoya Inoue and rising American Ramon Cardenas.

Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) burst onto the global boxing scene with a stunning upset over Robeisy Ramirez in December 2023, bouncing back from a knockdown to win a dramatic majority decision that earned ESPN’s “Upset of the Year.” He has since solidified his dominance, stopping Sergio Chirino in four rounds, then closing the chapter on Ramirez with a sixth-round stoppage in their rematch.

Now, Espinoza faces Vazquez (17-2, 4 KOs), a tough contender from Fort Worth, Texas, who’s riding high off a knockout win over Kenneth Taylor. It’s Vazquez’s second crack at a world title — and Espinoza knows not to underestimate him.

“He’s a great fighter, and we picked him because we knew it would make for a thrilling fight,” Espinoza said during training in Guadalajara. “I’m not here to predict knockouts. I’m here to do my job and win — for my people.”

Espinoza says he's treating Vazquez like an undefeated champion, determined to stay sharp and avoid overconfidence.

“Fighting on Cinco de Mayo weekend is a huge honor and responsibility,” he added. “It motivates me to represent Mexico with pride.”

While all his focus is on Vazquez, Espinoza made it clear he’s keeping an eye on Naoya Inoue.

“If I get the chance, I’d love to face Inoue. That’s the kind of fight that could make me one of the best pound-for-pound in the world.”

Broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, Espinoza vows to make the night unforgettable.

“I’m going to steal the show and give every Mexican in that arena a night to remember.”