Rafael Espinoza Stops Ricardo Blandon in Three, Retains WBO Featherweight Title

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Rafael Espinoza made quick work of late-replacement challenger Ricardo Blandon on Saturday, retaining his WBO featherweight championship by third-round technical knockout on the Canelo Alvarez-Christian Mbilli undercard.

Espinoza used his unusual height and reach to control the action before a hard right hand opened a severe cut around Blandon’s left eye. The referee called time for a ringside examination, and the doctor advised that the fight be stopped at 1:22 of Round 3. The victory improved Espinoza to 29-0 with 25 knockouts and marked the fifth successful defense of the WBO belt he won from Robeisy Ramirez in December 2023.

Afterward, Espinoza said he wants to be more active in 2027 and again made clear that unification is his priority. He also called for a future fight with undisputed junior featherweight champion Naoya Inoue. Blandon stepped in on short notice after mandatory challenger Lorenzo Parra was removed from the bout following pre-fight medical complications. Espinoza did what was expected against the substitute; the bigger question now is whether his next assignment finally brings another featherweight champion—or the lucrative Inoue showdown he continues to chase.