I’m ready to speak in the ring against Sergio Chirino

Undefeated world champion Rafael Espinoza will meet fellow Mexican Sergio Chirino on June 21 at the BleauLive Theater in Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The duo face off live on ESPN+. At the pre-fight press conference, the fighters presented their fight and competed against each other.

Espinoza (24-0, 20 KOs) makes his second consecutive appearance in the United States ring and first defense of his WBO featherweight title. The 30-year-old champion from Guadalajara, Jalisco, said he was ready to talk in the ring.

“I’m excited and I’m happy,” Rafael Espinoza said. “My heart skips a beat because it’s another dream come true.” That’s another reason why I started boxing, and now it’s happening, thank God. I’m very happy to be here with all my people, and I’m excited and looking forward to the day to come.

“The only thing that has changed in my life is that now people consider me a champion. I also learned a lot. I learned to enjoy the present moment and work like a champion. With me and my family, everything has been the same. They are with me, and that’s what’s important.

“Any time someone has an opportunity like this, they come to win, and we recognize that. And that’s why we worked hard. I did all the work and I do the talking in the ring. I don’t like talking outside the ring. So the best will win. The champion will win.

Chirino (22-1, 13 KO) makes his U.S. debut. The 29-year-old contender is fighting for his first major belt and looking to become the first Mexican world champion from Oaxaca.

“We are happy because the opportunity to win a world title is there,” said Sergio Chirino. “And we are delighted because, like any boxer, we want to make this dream come true. We’re here and we’re going Friday night.

“When there are two Mexicans in the ring, it’s always a great show. And in this fight, there will be a surprise.

“We came here to tell the same story as Rafael when he (won the world title). So we are going to win this world title and be the first to do it from Oaxaca.

In the co-main event, undefeated Andres Cortes (21-0, 12 KOs) of North Las Vegas and former title challenger Abraham Nova (23-2, 16 KOs) of Puerto Rico face off at weight lightweight juniors. Among the Espinoza vs. Chirino undercard fights, old rivals Troy Isley (12-0, 5 KOs) of Washington, D.C. and fellow undefeated Javier Martinez (10-0-1, 3 KOs) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin face off among middleweights.