On May 4 (May 5 Japan time), a Top Rank event was held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, USA.
In the co-main event, the WBO World Featherweight Title 12-round bout featured undefeated champion Rafael Espinoza (Mexico), with a record of 26 wins (22 KOs), defending his title against the No. 10 ranked contender Edward Vazquez (USA), who holds a record of 17 wins (4 KOs), 2 losses, and 1 no contest.
The 29-year-old Vazquez previously challenged IBF super featherweight world champion Joe Cordina (UK), who was undefeated with a record of 16 wins (9 KOs), on November 4, 2023 (November 5 Japan time), at the Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Despite the size disadvantage, Vazquez relentlessly pressed forward with persistent combinations but ultimately lost by unanimous decision (0–2) after 12 rounds. This bout against Espinoza marked his second world title challenge, and he showed great confidence going into the fight.
Standing at 185 cm, an exceptionally tall figure for this weight class, Espinoza kept a close eye on Vazquez’s movements from the opening bell, using his jab effectively. When the distance closed, he fired uppercuts from both hands.
Vazquez, who was 15 cm shorter in height, rolled his upper body as he advanced, trying to get inside Espinoza’s range. However, Espinoza’s long left hand kept him at bay.
Espinoza landed downward right straights and uppercuts from both hands to Vazquez’s face, and also dug in right straights to the body, keeping Vazquez off balance and overwhelmed.
Vazquez, unable to advance due to Espinoza’s short rapid-fire combinations, gradually accumulated damage as the fight went on.
Vazquez, determined to capture the title, launched a desperate counterattack. However, it didn’t last long.
Espinoza hammered Vazquez’s face with uppercuts from both hands, then wore him down with right straights and left body shots.
In the 7th round, Vazquez reeled back after taking a right uppercut from Espinoza, and his movement froze after a follow-up left to the body. Seeing the opportunity, Espinoza surged forward with a fierce flurry of punches.
Trapped in the blue corner and unable to defend effectively, Vazquez was overwhelmed by Espinoza’s relentless assault. Referee Harvey Dock (USA) stepped in to stop the fight, unable to let it continue.
TKO time: 1 minute and 47 seconds of the 7th round.
Espinoza secured a dominant victory and successfully defended his title for the third time. For Vazquez, it was the first stoppage loss of his career.
While celebrating his victory in the ring, Espinoza later visited Vazquez, who was lying on a bed in the dressing room after the fight. Concerned about his opponent’s condition, Espinoza embraced him warmly and praised his valiant effort.
Espinoza, who dreams of fighting Naoya Inoue — the undisputed super bantamweight world champion (Ohashi Gym), with a perfect record of 30 wins (27 KOs) — said, “A fight against Naoya Inoue is the one I truly want. I’m fully ready to make it happen.” Despite rumors of struggles with weight cutting, Espinoza declared his intention to remain in the featherweight division, eagerly awaiting Inoue’s move up to featherweight.
If the fight happens, could even Naoya Inoue, the undisputed super bantamweight world champion, be in for a tough challenge?
This article has been translated and published with permission from BOXING MASTER.
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