Espinoza Ready for Vazquez, Eyes Bigger Targets
WBO featherweight world champion Rafael Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) and rising junior welterweight Emiliano Fernando Vargas (13-0, 11 KOs) shared the spotlight Tuesday at a press conference in Mexico City ahead of their upcoming bouts on May 4 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Espinoza will put his 126-pound title on the line in the co-main event against Edward Vazquez, a former world title challenger. The matchup supports the main attraction of the night—Naoya Inoue’s undisputed junior featherweight title defense against Ramon Cardenas. The event lands on Cinco de Mayo weekend, with Top Rank promoting in association with Ohashi Promotion, Teiken Promotions, and Sampson Boxing.
During the presser, Espinoza entertained the crowd with a mariachi-backed performance of “El Rey” before visiting the historic Romanza Gym, home to Hall of Fame trainer Nacho Beristáin. Still riding high off his sixth-round TKO win over Robeisy Ramirez in their rematch last December, Espinoza aims to make his third successful title defense.
“We know that Vazquez is very prepared. He’s a warrior and he wants what I have,” Espinoza said. “You’re going to see the best version of ‘El Divino.’”
Espinoza made it clear he’s not just focused on Vazquez. He wants a crack at Inoue down the line.
“The Vazquez fight is my priority, but I want the Inoue fight. That’s how I become a pound-for-pound fighter. That’s my goal.”
“I haven’t shown what I’m fully capable of. I’m a world champion, but I want to show I’m the best.”
Vargas Soaks Up Mexico City, Focused on Return
Emiliano Fernando Vargas, son of former world champion Fernando Vargas, will also feature on the May 4 card in an eight-round bout against an opponent to be announced. The 24-year-old prospect is coming off a strong second-round stoppage win over Giovannie Gonzalez in March, his first fight back after a hand injury.
“It’s special being here in Mexico City. My blood is from here,” said Vargas. “I’m proud to be Mexican and American.”
“I want to keep growing, keep winning. I’ve got about four fights planned this year, but May 4 is the focus right now. I’m going to shine like the star that God made me. I’m excited to be back.”
Broadcast & Ticket Info
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Main Card (Inoue vs. Cardenas, Espinoza vs. Vazquez):
🔴 LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+
🕙 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT -
Undercard including Vargas:
🟢 Streaming exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S.
🎟 Tickets: Available now via AXS.com
Espinoza looks to cement his status. Vargas keeps building momentum. And with Inoue headlining, expect a packed T-Mobile Arena on Cinco de Mayo weekend.
Honestly, Vargas should not even be compared to his father! He’s still so young and has a long way to go. Just because he’s from Mexico doesn’t mean he automatically a champ! People need to stop hyping him up so much! 🤨
I think Espinoza is way to overconfident. Just because he won before doesn’t mean he will win agin. Vazquez is no joke, he’s trained hard and will put up a fight. You can’t underestimate someone like him! 😤