Rafael Espinoza keeps hitting high notes as Edward Vazquez, unification fights loom
Article
Manouk Akopyan
RingMagazine.com|
Rafael Espinoza keeps hitting high notes as Edward Vazquez, unification fights loom
LAS VEGAS – Just like Rafael Espinoza can’t stop swinging, the joyous WBO featherweight champion can’t stop singing, either.
At a recent press conference in Mexico to build up his title defense Sunday against Edward Vazquez, the 31-year-old from Guadalajara, Jalisco, crooned for the crowd after promising the best is still yet to come in his career. Later, during an interview with The Ring, “El Divino” Espinoza grabbed his guitar for a quick rendition of Ariel Camacho’s “Hay Una Mujer.”
On Friday at a press conference at the MGM Grand, Espinoza serenaded the masses once again.
Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) has been hitting the high note for the last 17 months to the tune of twice beating Robeisy Ramirez and headlining his own event in Las Vegas for a title defense.
“My confidence is growing, but so is the work I’m putting in preparation,” Espinoza told The Ring. “I’m very confident to get another title defense because of the work that I’ve been putting in. I'm in the best shape of my life. I'm taking the fight with Vazquez to prove that I’m the best featherweight in the world. I'm looking to bring fireworks to the fight and make it a great night for Mexico.”
In December, Espinoza forced Ramirez to quit in a rematch in six rounds after beating him the year before by majority decision for the title he now carries.
“Both of my fights against Ramirez were great fights and I thought I won them clearly,” said Espinoza. “In the second one, it was no mas. I've closed the book on Ramirez, though, and I’m focused on Vazquez. I’m working harder for Vazquez than I did for Ramirez.”
Vazquez should be able to give Espinoza a tough test. His only losses have come against Joe Cordina and Raymond Ford by narrow decisions, and many observers believe Vazquez won both fights.
“To me, he's undefeated. Both were close fights, and if he were the A-side, he would win those fights,” said Espinoza. “He's getting a big shot for the third time so he's hungry to take my title. But I will be here to make a statement and still be undefeated. I’m only looking for good fights and competitive fights. That's why I’m taking the risk, to be stronger for the unification fights.
“I want to unify the division and become the undisputed featherweight champion. The three current champions [Nick Ball, Stephen Fulton, Angelo Leo] are going to be hard fights. They are champions for a reason. I feel good at 126 pounds and plan on staying here for a while to get the other title fights. My dream is to be on the pound-for-pound list.”
Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan
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