Featherweight Champion Rafael Espinoza to Defend Title Against Sergio Chirino on June 21

Espinoza to Make First Defense of WBO Title

Featherweight champion Rafael Espinoza will face Sergio Chirino on Friday, June 21, in the first defense of his WBO title, Top Rank announced on Wednesday. The fight will take place at the Pechanga Arena in Temecula, California, and will be streamed live on ESPN+.

Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) won the WBO featherweight title in December 2022, defeating Emanuel Navarrete by unanimous decision. The 28-year-old Mexican has made one successful defense of his title, stopping Joet Gonzalez in the eighth round in March 2023.

Chirino (20-1, 16 KOs) is a 28-year-old Mexican who is ranked No. 5 by the WBO. He has won his last four fights, including a knockout victory over former world champion Julio Ceja in his last bout in December 2022.