Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza will defend his WBO featherweight world title against Arnold Khegai on Saturday, November 15, at Arena Potosí in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. The bout marks Espinoza’s first title defense on home soil and gives Khegai a long-awaited opportunity nearly three years after first entering the WBO’s top rankings.
Espinoza (27-0, 23 KOs) captured the world title in December 2023 with a dramatic decision win over two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez, in what became ESPN’s Upset of the Year. Since then, the towering 6-foot-1 featherweight has made three successful defenses, including stoppages over Sergio Chirino, Ramirez in their rematch, and Edward Vazquez. “I’m happy and anxious to get back into the ring because it will be in my country, with my people,” Espinoza said. “I know Arnold Khegai is strong, but that’s motivating me to keep demonstrating that I am ready for big things.”
Watch Espinoza vs. Ramirez highlights: Watch
Khegai (23-2-1, 14 KOs), a Ukrainian of Korean descent, turned professional in 2015 after a decorated career in Muay Thai and amateur boxing. Ranked No. 9 by the WBO, he enters the fight following a decision win over Liborio Solis. “I’ve had a long journey in boxing, and this is the opportunity of a lifetime,” Khegai said. “I am coming to Mexico to ruin his homecoming.”
The undercard will feature several of Top Rank’s brightest prospects. In the co-main event, Lindolfo Delgado (23-0, 16 KOs) faces Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela (31-4-1, 17 KOs) in an all-Mexican IBF junior welterweight eliminator. Rising American heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. (13-0, 11 KOs) meets Tomas Salek (23-7, 14 KOs), while Emiliano Vargas (15-0, 13 KOs) continues his climb in a 10-rounder against Jonathan Montrel. Seventeen-year-old Julian “El Natural” Montalvo also returns in a six-round junior lightweight bout.
Watch Delgado vs. Rodriguez highlights: Watch
Top Rank chairman Bob Arum praised the event’s lineup: “Rafael Espinoza is a unique talent, a 6-foot-1 featherweight with devastating knockout power in either hand. San Luis Potosí is a great fight town, and I’m thrilled that the Mexican fans will have an opportunity to see several future world champions in action on the undercard.”
Fight card:
▪️Rafael Espinoza vs. Arnold Khegai, 12 rounds, for the WBO World featherweight title
▪️Emiliano Vargas vs. Jonathan Montrel, 10 rounds, super lightweight
▪️Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Tomas Salek, 10 rounds, heavyweight
▪️Lindolfo Delgado vs. TBA, super lightweight
▪️Julian Montalvo vs. TBA, super lightweight
