RAFAEL Espinoza is still the WBO featherweight champion following a dominant display against overmatched Mexican rival Sergio Chirino Sanchez. The challenger could not settle into a rhythm and was bombed out in round four.
Headlining last night at the sparkling Fontainebleau in Las Vegas as part of a Top Rank promotion, Espinoza set about Chirino in round one, dropping his fellow countryman with a left uppercut.
Chirino had his best round of the fight in round two. Not that he won it, but it was the only session the 29-year-old got through without being knocked down.
Rafael still bossed the three minutes and carried that momentum into the third when another heavy shot landed on Chirino, who had been buzzed earlier in the round before a sneaky body shot sent Sergio down for a second time.
Making it into round four, nose spilling blood, Chirino soaked up a flurry from all-action Espinoza and sagged over for some immediate respite. Sliding up straight, Chirino’s evening was terminated by referee Raul Caiz Jr, who waved it off at 2-45 of round four (scheduled for the championship 12).
Espinoza improves his record to 25-0 (21 KOs), while Chirino drops to 22-2 (13 KOs).
When Espinoza entered the ring against Robeisy Ramirez in December 2023 (see below), he was a little-known, gangly challenger. After 12 thrilling rounds, Espinoza outlasted the Cuban to win a majority decision and take home the WBO crown at 126 pounds.
Espinoza emerged victorious in a war against Robeisy, causing him to lose his title.
That rematch is still on the cards for both men. Rising contender Bruce Carrington’s name was also mentioned as a future foe.
“The difference is my hunger, my desire to be the best,” said Espinoza, who responded to the potential fights with ‘Shu Shu’ Carrington and Ramirez.
“These are the fights that all three of us want. They’ll be great fights and I hope they end up happening.”
Andres Cortes missed weight in the chief support bout and struggled as his break-out bout wore on. Opponent Abraham Nova, a former world title challenger, appeared to have done enough over the 10 rounds.
The three judges thought otherwise, awarding the bout to Cortes by unanimous decision. Glenn Feldman had it 96-94, while Patricia Morse Jarman and Dave Moretti had it wider at 97-93 each, all to the local man who improved to 22-0.
