An undefeated WBO world champion, with an impressive record and an uncommon height for his division, may be about to leave his current weight class after an anticipated rematch next month. This standout fighter is set to defend his featherweight title against a rival he has previously faced in a bout that captured the boxing world’s attention last year. This clash, part of a major event, could mark the end of his career in the division and open the doors to a higher weight class.
The fight, scheduled for December 7 in Phoenix, Arizona, will be the second time these boxers face each other. Rafael Espinoza, current featherweight champion of the World Boxing Organization (WBO), may be considering a move up in weight after his upcoming bout against Robeisy Ramírez. It’s worth noting that Espinoza defeated Ramírez in December 2023 by majority decision to be crowned featherweight champion.
Carl Moretti, Vice President of Boxing Operations at Top Rank, has indicated that Espinoza may consider moving up to 130 pounds after his fight with Ramírez. This change could have significant implications for the junior lightweight division, as another competitor in that category, Charly Suárez, is emerging as a potential rival.
Suárez, currently ranked number one at 130 pounds by the WBO, has achieved important victories in his recent fights. Suárez, 36 years old and from Manila, Philippines, has won by decision against Yohan Vásquez and Luis Coria and secured a third-round technical knockout against Jorge Castaneda.
On the other hand, the card featuring Espinoza and Ramírez in their rematch will also include another eagerly anticipated bout between two prominent Mexican boxers. Emanuel Navarrete, WBO junior lightweight champion, will once again face Oscar Valdez. Both fighters first faced each other in August 2023, when Navarrete won by unanimous decision, creating anticipation for a rematch on the same card as Espinoza and Ramírez.
Espinoza’s potential move to 130 pounds would generate additional interest, as Valdez currently holds the WBO interim title in that division, making him the mandatory challenger for Navarrete. According to Gustavo Olivieri, President of the WBO, the winner between Valdez and Navarrete will have 180 days to complete another mandatory defense. Olivieri has also suggested that if Espinoza wins and chooses to move up in weight, he could automatically be designated as the mandatory challenger at 130 pounds.
Espinoza, who holds an undefeated record of 25-0, with 21 knockouts, stands at 6’1″, and his towering height makes fighting at 126 pounds a considerable challenge for him. This situation reinforces the speculation about his possible transition to a higher weight class after his fight with Ramírez.
The WBO convention in Puerto Rico has been key in discussing potential scenarios following the December 7 event. During a ranking committee meeting, Carl Moretti indicated that Charly Suárez’s next fight will depend on the results of Espinoza and Navarrete in Phoenix. Should Espinoza emerge victorious, the move to a new division would open up new opportunities for both Espinoza and other contenders in the 130-pound class.
The results of the December event are expected to shape the future of several featherweight and junior lightweight boxers. The WBO has stated that it will consult with the ranking and championship committees to determine the next course of action in these weight classes.
Carl Moretti states that if Rafael Espinoza beats Robeisy Ramirez, he could move up to 130lbs and face the Navarrete vs Valdez 2 winner
— Tokkerū (@ATokkers5) October 31, 2024
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