Rafael Espinoza Defends WBO Featherweight Title Nov. 15

Rafael ‘Divino’ Espinoza will make a voluntary defense of his WBO featherweight title against Arnold Khegai (23-2-1, 14 KOs) on November 15 in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Top Rank is putting on this event in association with Zanfer Boxing.

Undercard: Delgado vs. Valenzuela

• Lindolfo Delgado vs. Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela – IBF Super Lightweight Title Eliminator
• Richard Torrez Jr. vs. TBA – heavyweights
• Emiliano Vargas vs. TBA – light welterweights

Salvador Rodriguez of ESPN Knockout broke the story on Espinoza defending against Khegai.

Featherweight Division Avoidance

Espinoza (27-0, 23 KOs) has been avoided like the plague by the top contenders and champions at 126. As such, it’s understandable why he’s reduced to defending against 33-year-old Khegai rather than one of the unbeaten fighters, such as Bruce Carrington, Nick Ball, and Angelo Leo.

If Khegai is as good as it gets for Espinoza, then you can’t blame the Mexican star for taking this fight. It’s better to do that than to sit inactive.

Khegai is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision win over 43-year-old former WBA super featherweight champion Liborio Solis on September 12, 2025, in Berlin, Germany. Before that, Khegai lost to Joet Gonzalez by a 10-round split decision on March 8, 2025, in Long Beach, California.

When Khegai goes up against ‘Divino’ Espinoza on November 15, this will be his third fight in 2025. That’s admirable in this day and age for a fighter.

Espinoza, 31, has looked outstanding recently, beating Edward Vazquez, Robeisy Ramirez x 2, and Sergio Chirino Sanchez. The victories over two-time Olympic Cuban gold medalist Robeisy were especially impressive for the lanky 6’1″, as he dominated him in both fights.

Broadcast Uncertainty

It’s currently unknown which broadcast platform will be showing this event. Espinoza is with Top Rank, and their contract with ESPN expired on July 26, 2025.

If the event fails to be shown in the U.S, the only positive that could come from that is that at least Espinoza isn’t facing one of the top guys that fans have been pushing for. There are at least five big names at 126 that people have wanted to go up against Espinoza.

Dan Ambrose has covered boxing since 2011, offering trusted insight on the sport’s biggest fights.