The WBO has called for a sequel between its featherweight titleholder, Rafael Espinoza, and the man he bested last year to win the belt, Robeisy Ramirez.
According to the sanctioning body’s Sept. 4 letter, both camps have been allotted 15 days for negotiations. If terms are not agreed upon within this period, the WBO will proceed with a purse bid. Either party can also request a purse bid at any time during negotiations. The minimum bid for the fight is set at $150,000.
Espinoza (25-0, 21 KOs) secured the title with an upset victory over Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs) in their December 2023 bout in Florida. The 30-year-old Espinoza hit the canvas in the fifth round, while Ramirez, also 30, was knocked down in the 12th and final round. Espinoza won by majority decision to claim his first title in what was one of the standout fights of 2023.
Both fighters have since returned. On June 21 in Las Vegas, Espinoza made his first title defense by stopping Sergio Chirino in four rounds, knocking him down in the first, third and fourth rounds. Eight days later, Ramirez halted Brandon Leon Benitez in the seventh round on the undercard of Teofimo Lopez vs. Steve Claggett in Florida.
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