Rafael Espinoza vs. Arnold Khegai Final Press Conference
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- Nov 13
- 3 min read

WBO featherweight champion Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza (27-0, 23 KOs) defends his title this weekend as he goes up against Ukraine's Arnold Khegai (23-2-1, 14 KOs) this Saturday, Nov. 15, at Arena Potosi in San Luis Potosi, Mexico live on the Top Rank Classics FAST channel in the U.S.
Rafael Espinoza
"I’m pleased to be fighting again in Mexico and coming back here as a world champion."
"I know what it’s like to fight for a world title. When you fight for a world title, you come with everything and more. So, I know he’s going to come with everything. I expect that from him, and I trained for that."
"For the fans out there, I want you to know that you cannot miss this fight. I'm going to continue working hard and striving to get better with each fight."
"I’m able to continue making this weight because I’m used to the process. And I respect it as well. I know the responsibilities that come with being a world champion."
Arnold Khegai
"I’m very happy because this is the biggest fight of my career so far. I’ve been waiting forever for this kind of fight, and Saturday will be a defining moment in my career."
"The fact that I’m in Mexico doesn’t matter to me. It doesn’t matter that I’m in enemy territory. There will only be two fighters in the ring."
My head trainer, Abel Khachatryan, could not be here due to visa issues. However, Marvin Somodio will be assisting, as well as Charlie Edwards, who has been helping me in camp."
"Everything went well in camp. We made sure to cover all bases. Charlie was there to help with speed, but we also have others who can help with height and other aspects. We made sure to cover everything
The co-feature will showcase unbeaten Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado (23-0, 16 KOs) against countryman Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela (31-4-1, 17 KOs) in an IBF junior welterweight world title eliminator.
Lindolfo Delgado
"I feel happy to be fighting in Mexico again. It’s been a long time since I fought here, so it feels good to be back. People have been asking me for a long time when I am going to fight in Mexico. Not many people can go to the United States to see me. Now that it’s happening, I’m very excited. And San Luis Potosí is very close to Linares, Nuevo Leon, which is where I’m from."
"Valenzuela is a fighter with a lot of experience, and he’s been in a lot of good fights."
"I’ve been waiting for a world title shot for a long time, and we’re just one step away. So, I hope it happens next."
Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela
"I know it’s going to be a great fight. Every time there are two Mexicans, it’s guaranteed to be a war."
"I’ve been on big stages and have had a lot of great experiences, so I’m ready for whatever this fight brings."
Heavyweight Mexican-American phenom Richard Torrez Jr. (13-0, 11 KOs) meets Czech veteran Tomas Salek (23-7, 14 KOs) in a 10-rounder, while rising junior welterweight star Emiliano Vargas (15-0, 13 KOs) takes on Jonathan Montrel (19-3, 13 KOs) in a 10-round special feature that will take place just before the main event.
Richard Torrez Jr.
"I'm a proud Mexican-American, and I'm going to show that 'Mexican Style' translates to the heavyweight division. This is my first time fighting in Mexico. I've been here once or twice before, but I'm excited to come here and show everyone what I'm about."
"The win over Guido Vianello gave me a newfound confidence. I'm currently ranked No. 4 by the IBF. That gives me the confidence and the drive to move forward and prove to everyone back home watching that their cheers aren't in vain."
"My opponent is a veteran. He's been here before. I'm excited to show what I have to offer. I've trained really hard. I haven't fought since April. It's been my biggest layoff as a pro, and I'm pumped to get back into the ring. I'm eager, and come Saturday night, you're going to see a lot of punches thrown."
Emiliano Vargas
"I had the opportunity to come down here and have my training camp in Mexico City. The elevation brought a whole new element to my training. My opponent is going to drown in this elevation. We checked off every box and got out of our comfort zone by getting down here early. It's going to show on Saturday night."
"I feel a lot of love in Mexico. Even while walking the streets of Mexico City, people were stopping us and taking photos. It's humbling. I am happy to represent my roots."
"We'll see what presents itself on Saturday during the fight and go from there."


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