A Mexican war is guaranteed. First of all, Vázquez simply doesn't know how to fight any other way. His boxing is about pressure, multi-punch combinations, and attempts to break down his opponent at close range.

The problem is that his opponent — the huge Espinoza — can meet him with counters, trade on the inside, and break opponents down from a distance.

There isn’t a major gap in the level of opposition between the 31-year-old Espinoza and the 29-year-old Vázquez.

Rafael’s key rival is Robeisy Ramírez, whom he beat twice.

Espinoza’s main opponents — Joe Cordina and Raymond Ford — defeated him by judges' decision, but he consistently put on impressive performances.

Both fighters are relentless in the ring and stay busy throughout the fight. They throw a lot and attack in a variety of ways.

Outworking Vázquez is a tough task, but Espinoza looks like the one capable of doing it.

Another positive is that both fighters have stayed active.

In 2024, they each fought twice — and both were victorious.

Even more impressive: between them, they scored three stoppages in four fights.

Only Daniel Bailey managed to go the distance against Vázquez.

Espinoza’s punching power is an underrated aspect.

The Mexican punches hard and, more importantly, at the right moments.

It looks painful — and feels even worse.

In this department, Espinoza holds a clear advantage.

Vázquez has never been stopped.

Espinoza hasn’t either, although he has been knocked down.

However, it's worth noting that it was two-time Olympic champion Robeisy Ramírez who managed to knock him down — and Espinoza eventually defeated him twice.

Vázquez has never been stopped.

Espinoza hasn’t either, although he has been knocked down.

However, it's worth noting that it was two-time Olympic champion Robeisy Ramírez who managed to knock him down — and Espinoza eventually defeated him twice.

Espinoza is one of the division’s biggest stars: big, awkward, powerful, and with serious victories behind him.

He has the opportunity to move toward unification in the near future — but to do that, he must beat a tough and relentless countryman.

As for Vázquez, there’s no doubt he’ll give it everything he's got.

On such a holiday, in front of his home crowd, defeating the favorite would be a breakthrough.

Now the question is: can he figure out how to actually do it inside the ring?