Rafael Espinoza is on course to headline a homecoming world title defense against fellow Mexican Luis Alberto Lopez. The WBO featherweight champion is expected to put his belt on the line November 15 in San Luis Potosi, topping a Top Rank-driven card staged by Zanfer Promotions.
The night’s co-feature will see Lindolfo Delgado and Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela collide in a sanctioned IBF 140-pound eliminator. With Richardson Hitchins holding the world title, the winner will secure a mandatory shot. Delgado, 23-0 (16 KOs), comes off a majority decision over Elvis Rodriguez in April, while Valenzuela, 31-4-1 (17 KOs), rebounded from a March loss to Subriel Matias with a May decision victory. Trainer Robert Garcia confirmed he’ll be overseas with Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez and will delegate corner duties to his father, Eduardo Garcia.
Also slated for the show are unbeaten lightweight Emiliano Vargas, 15-0 (13 KOs), son of Fernando Vargas, and rising heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr., 13-0 (11 KOs).
For Espinoza, 27-0 (23 KOs), this marks his first professional fight on Mexican soil as champion. He last defended his belt in May, stopping Edward Vazquez in Las Vegas. Lopez, 31-3 (18 KOs), a former IBF titleholder, offers both the most experienced and most fitting test for a proud all-Mexico headliner.
Watch Espinoza vs. Ramirez highlights: Watch
Image Credit: Top Rank