May 4: Rafael Espinoza-Edward Vazquez Featherweight World Title Battle Confirmed as Naoya Inoue-Ramon Cardenas Co-Feature at T-Mobile Arena

Espinoza will defend his WBO featherweight world title against former world title challenger Edward Vazquez on Sunday, May 4, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Espinoza-Vazquez will be the co-feature to the main event between pound-for-pound great Naoya Inoue and San Antonio native Ramon Cardenas.

Top Rank, in association with Ohashi Promotion, Teiken Promotions, and Sampson Boxing, is selling pre-sale tickets now by clicking HERE (https://TopRank.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aa1ae9f9e3c18dcf7df10dda1&id=79e4da18cf&e=ae69d13328). The public on-sale is on Friday, March 14, at 10 a.m. PT via AXS.com (https://TopRank.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aa1ae9f9e3c18dcf7df10dda1&id=929a8ca78d&e=ae69d13328).

We’ll keep you posted on the broadcast and undercard details soon!

Rafael Espinoza is a featherweight powerhouse with the skills and power to be a world champion for years to come. We’re thrilled to showcase him on this meaningful Cinco de Mayo weekend for Mexican boxing, said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. Edward Vazquez is a tough and determined challenger who knows this is his chance to change everything. Fans at T-Mobile Arena are in for a treat as Espinoza shares the spotlight with the legendary Naoya Inoue on this historic card.

Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) mostly fought in Mexico before shocking two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez for the WBO title in December 2023. He got dropped in the fifth but came back to knock out the Cuban in the 12th and won by majority decision in ESPN’s Upset of the Year. He defended his title in June with a fourth-round TKO over Sergio Chirino and then went back to Ramirez in December, breaking him down and stopping him in six. Now, Espinoza looks to make his third world title defense in a division that’s been dominated by Mexican greats like Salvador Sanchez, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Juan Manuel Marquez.

Espinoza said, “I’m excited to be back in the ring, especially in the city where I always dreamed of fighting, Las Vegas. Fighting at T-Mobile Arena is also a dream come true, which makes it even more exciting for me. Edward Vazquez is a tough fighter who wants to take what’s mine. But I’m ready to show him that I’m here to stay as a champion. I can’t wait for May 4 to prove it again.”

Vazquez (17-2, 4 KOs), from Fort Worth, Texas, had an impressive 11-0 record before losing a controversial split decision to eventual world champion Raymond Ford in February 2022. He bounced back with four wins before taking on undefeated IBF junior lightweight champion Joe Cordina in November 2023. Vazquez put up a great fight in Monte Carlo, but Cordina held on to his title with a majority decision. He showed his skills again with a decision over Daniel Bailey last May and then knocked out Kenneth Taylor in four rounds in October.

Vazquez said, “May 4th can’t come soon enough. I’ve been boxing since I was eight and have been a pro for over nine years. Nothing has ever been given to me. I’ve earned this chance. Espinoza is a great fighter and a worthy champion, but he’s never faced someone like ‘Kid’ Vazquez.”