Espinoza vs. Sanchez: Detailed Statistics and Facts About the Fight
On June 21 in Las Vegas, USA, a championship bout in the featherweight category (up to 57.2 kg) will take place. Mexican Rafael Espinoza will defend his championship title for the first time against compatriot Sergio Chirino Sanchez.
Ready To Fight presents the main statistics and facts about the championship clash.
Rafael Espinoza
Mexico
30 y.o.
Weight Category: Featherweight (up to 57.2 kg)
Record: 24 wins, 20 by knockout, 0 losses
Knockout Percentage: 83.3%
Total Rounds in Career: 87
Height: 185 cm
Reach: 188 cm
Stance: Orthodox
Recent Fights:
- Majority Decision (MD) win – Robeisy Ramirez
- KO win in 2nd round – Ally Mwerangi
- TKO win in 3rd round – Rafael Rosas Ramirez
- TKO win in 1st round – Orlando Garcia Guerrero
- TKO win in 1st round – Gerardo Valenzuela Muñoz
Total Rounds in Recent Fights: 19
Longest and Shortest Recent Fights: Longest – 12 rounds (MD win) / Shortest – 1 round (TKO win)
Average Rounds in Recent Fights: 3.8 rounds
Knockout Percentage in Recent Fights: 80%
Combined Record of Recent Opponents: 72 wins, 43 losses, 2 draws
Best Record Among Recent Opponents: Robeisy Ramirez (13 wins, 1 loss at the time of the fight)
Worst Record Among Recent Opponents: Orlando Garcia Guerrero (17 wins, 33 losses at the time of the fight)
Sergio Chirino Sanchez
Mexico
29 y.o.
Weight Category: Featherweight (up to 57.2 kg)
Record: 22 wins, 13 by knockout, 1 loss
Knockout Percentage: 59%
Total Rounds in Career: 96
Height: 175 см
Reach: Unknown
Stance: Orthodox
Recent Fights:
- TKO win in 3rd round – Dennis Contreras
- Majority Decision (MD) win – Sebastian Tinoco Chavez
- Unanimous Decision (UD) win – Ellie Mwerangi
- KO win in 2nd round – Eduardo Marquez Nunez
- TKO win in 3rd round – Giovanni Sanchez Plascencia
Longest and Shortest Recent Fights: Longest – 10 rounds (UD win) / Shortest – 2 rounds (TKO win)
Average Rounds in Recent Fights: 5.2 rounds
Knockout Percentage in Recent Fights: 60%
Combined Record of Recent Opponents: 68 wins, 41 losses, 5 draws
Best Record Among Recent Opponents: Dennis Contreras (24 wins, 13 losses at the time of the fight)
Worst Record Among Recent Opponents: Sebastian Tinoco Chavez (5 wins, 6 losses at the time of the fight)
Background of the Fight
Rafael Espinoza authored one of the biggest upsets of 2023. In December, he faced two-time Olympic champion Cuban Robeisy Ramirez and delivered a performance that exceeded the expectations of most fans and experts, resulting in a highly intense bout.
During the fight against Ramirez, Espinoza sustained several injuries, including a broken foot, but still emerged victorious. Despite losing the start of the fight with Ramirez moving skillfully and attacking efficiently, Espinoza, even with injuries, gained momentum. Even after being knocked down, he continued to push forward and eventually knocked down Ramirez in the 12th round, winning by majority decision.
There were lengthy negotiations for a rematch, but the fighters couldn't reach an agreement. Ramirez still hopes for a second chance, as he convincingly won half of the bout. However, he will have to wait while Espinoza defends his title against fellow countryman Sanchez.
There isn't much to say about Sergio. He has spent his entire career in Mexico, and the fight against Espinoza will be his first in the USA. The most notable name in his record is Mauricio Lara. They fought in 2018 when Lara was making a comeback after a knockout loss. After the second round, Sergio's corner decided to pull him from the fight.
Additional Facts About the Matchup:
– For Espinoza, this will be his 21st fight against a Mexican. His record against fellow Mexicans stands at 20 wins, 19 by knockout, and no losses.
– This will be Espinoza's third fight in the USA and Sanchez's first. Rafael has never won in America by knockout, having defeated Carl Garcia and Robeisy Ramirez by decision.
It will also be Espinoza's first fight in the USA against a Mexican opponent. Previously, he defeated a Puerto Rican and a Cuban.
– Rafael Espinoza is the tallest Mexican boxer in the featherweight division among those whose height and reach are officially known. The average height of Mexicans in this category is 167-170 cm, while Rafael stands at 188 cm.