Rafael Espinoza: “I’m Going To Steal The Show On May 4!”

WBO featherweight champion Rafael Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico defends his WBO crown against Edward Vazquez (17-2, 4 KOs), of Fort Worth, Texas on Sunday, May 4, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Espinoza-Vazquez will serve as the co-feature to the undisputed junior featherweight showdown between Japanese pound-for-pound icon Naoya Inoue and San Antonio-born contender Ramon Cardenas.

“Edward Vazquez is a great fighter. He’s going to come with everything. We chose him because we know it would make for an exciting fight. This is an important fight for me. At the same time, I don’t like to predict knockouts or tell people how the fight will end. I’m simply going to do my job. If the knockout comes, then great. Either way, I'm scoring a win for my people."

“I’m treating Vazquez as if he were an unbeaten champion. That’s how I’m taking things in my preparation, and that will ensure I don’t come in overconfident. Also, I know that it’s a huge opportunity for him, so he will come in the best shape possible.”

“It’s a great responsibility to fight on such an important weekend for Mexicans, so I see it as a source of motivation. I want to continue representing Mexico on these important fight dates.”

“The only thing on my mind is Edward Vazquez and defeating him on May 4. But at the same time, I’d like to show the Japanese people that I’m also ready for Naoya Inoue. That kind of fight would help me become one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.”

“I’m going to steal the show on May 4 and give all the Mexicans in attendance a great night.”