WBO featherweight champion Rafael Espinoza may finally have his next opponent, with top contender Lorenzo Parra in line to challenge him on the Canelo Alvarez versus Christian Mbilli undercard in October.
Fernando Barbosa of ESPN KnockOut reports that the fight is being planned for the card, with the Venezuelan challenger getting his opportunity through the mandatory route.
Parra (24-1-1, 18 KOs) has worked his way to the No. 1 position in the WBO rankings at 126 pounds. That puts him directly in Espinoza’s path, providing the champion a mandatory defense after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Espinoza (28-0, 24 KOs) has not fought since stopping Arnold Khegai in the 11th round last November. The 6’1″ Mexican champion Espinoza’s height, reach and power make him a problem for featherweights. There has not exactly been a rush among the division’s top fighters to pursue him.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez found out how punishing Espinoza can be when they met for a second time in December 2024. Espinoza stopped Ramirez in the sixth round after damaging his right eye, which was later diagnosed as a fractured orbital bone. Nearly two years later, Ramirez still has not fought again.
Parra’s No. 1 ranking makes him next in line for Espinoza’s belt. The 32-year-old Venezuelan earned his biggest recent victory in February, stopping Elijah Pierce in the second round to capture the WBO International featherweight title.
If finalized for the October event, Espinoza will return after nearly 12 months away from the ring. Parra would be fighting for a world title for the first time in his career.
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Last Updated on 2026/08/07 at 9:52 PM
