Feb 8, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Jose Pedraza (gold/black trunks) and Keyshawn Davis (blue/gold trunks) box during their WBO Intercontinental Lightweight bout at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
- Undefeated WBO Featherweight Champion Rafael Espinoza faces Sergio Chirino Sanchez on Friday, June 21st
- The Friday boxing odds heavily favor Espinoza to retain his title
- Read on for Espinoza vs Chirino prediction, betting preview and fighter analysis
Boxing fans are in for a treat this Friday, as undefeated WBO Featherweight Champion Rafael Espinoza puts his title on the line against fellow Mexican Sergio Chirino Sanchez. This all-action bout headlines a stacked card at the BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, with the ESPN+ televised action kicking off at 7:00 pm ET.
Oddsmakers are siding with “El Divino” in the boxing odds, pricing the champ as a heavy -800 favorite over”El Chino”. We’ve made our Espinoza vs Sanchez prediction to help you place an educated wager on Friday night’s bout.
Here is our Espinoza vs Sanchez prediction, along with tale of the tape analysis, plus how to stream.
Espinoza vs Sanchez Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Rafael Espinoza | -800 |
| Sergio Chirino Sanchez | +475 |
In the Espinoza vs Sanchez odds at DraftKings, “El Divino” is a massive -800 moneyline favorite, giving him an 88.9% implied probability of winning. As the +475 underdog, “El Chino” implied chance of winning is 17.4%.
Odds as of June 19, 2024, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Check out the best sportsbook promo codes for Espinoza vs Sanchez.
How to Watch
US viewers can catch all the action live on ESPN+. In the UK and Ireland, tune in starting at 11:00 pm GMT on Sky Sports.
The Undercard:
- Andres “Savage” Cortes vs. Abraham “El Super” Nova (junior lightweights, 10 rounds)
- Troy Isley vs. Javier Martinez (middleweights, 10 rounds)
- Floyd Diaz vs. Francisco Pedroza Portillo (bantamweights, 8 rounds)
- Demler Zamora vs. Jose Antonio Meza (junior lightweights, 8 rounds)
Rafael Espinoza Analysis
The 6’1″ Espinoza (24-0, 20 KOs) has been a revelation since turning pro in 2013. With an 83% KO ratio, the Michoacán native has been a wrecking ball at 126 pounds. He served notice to the division in December, upsetting two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramírez by majority decision to capture the WBO strap.
Espinoza’s reach, strong jab, and relentless pressure have proven to be a powerful combination. He’s dispatched eight of his last 10 foes within three rounds, with 15 of his 20 stoppages coming by the 3rd round. An aggressive body puncher with a deep gas tank, “El Divino” aims to make his first title defense a memorable one.
The rangy Mexican’s triumph over Ramírez was a star-making performance. Despite hitting the deck in round 5, Espinoza showed immense heart, roaring back to drop the champion in the 12th en route to a majority decision.
His blend of size, power, and offensive aggression has many predicting a bright future for the 30-year-old in the featherweight division.
Sergio Chirino Sanchez Analysis
Chirino (22-1, 13 KOs) has been quietly climbing the ranks since his 2016 debut. The heavy-handed Oaxaca product carries a 59% KO ratio and has rebounded impressively since his lone defeat in 2018 (RTD 3 vs. Mauricio Lara).
At 5’9″, Chirino will be giving up four inches in height and substantial reach to Espinoza. However, the 29-year-old challenger is a clever pressure fighter. He likes to slip inside and unload with hooks and uppercuts. Body punching is his specialty – wearing down opponents and creating openings upstairs.
AND THE NEW CHAMPION 👑🍾💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/SStGq11ngU
— Sergio Chirino JR (@chirino_oax) June 19, 2024
In his last outing in February, Chirino brutally stopped Dennis Contreras in the 3rd round. An upset win over Espinoza would complete a meteoric rise for “El Chino”.
While he hasn’t faced elite competition, Chirino has demonstrated solid fundamentals, ring intelligence, and an ability to adapt during fights. He will need to utilize these skills to tackle the challenge that Espinoza presents.
Tale of the Tape
| 24-0 | Record | 22-1 |
| 20 | Knockouts | 13 |
| 6’1″ (185 cm) | Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| 74″ (188 cm) | Reach | N/A |
| Orthodox | Stance | Orthodox |
Espinoza vs Sanchez Prediction
I’ve been impressed with Chirino’s recent run, but Espinoza represents a notable step-up in class. Not only is “El Divino” naturally bigger and longer, but his title-winning effort over a pound-for-pound level talent in Ramírez was truly impressive.
Look for Espinoza to establish his jab early, controlling the distance and landing straight rights. Chirino will have moments when he gets inside, but Espinoza’s size and power will be key. By the middle rounds, expect the champ to be battering a fading Chirino along the ropes.
Ultimately, Espinoza’s physical advantages and experience at the championship level will likely be too much for the gutsy Chirino. We predict “El Divino” will retain his WBO Featherweight Title via a 6-7th round TKO on Friday night.
The Pick:
- Rafael Espinoza via TKO
Brady is the lead NHL and College Football editor at Sports Betting Dime, where he specializes in betting odds and data-driven analysis. Brady has over 10 years experience working in sports media, with work published by outlets such as ESPN, CBS Sports, Yahoo! Sports and Fox Sports.
On June 21, boxing fans will be treated to an exciting matchup between Rafael Espinoza and Sergio Chirino. Both fighters are known for their skill and determination in the ring, making this bout one to watch.
Prediction:
As with any boxing match, predicting the outcome can be difficult. However, based on their past performances and fighting styles, it is likely that this will be a closely contested fight. Rafael Espinoza is known for his aggressive style and powerful punches, while Sergio Chirino is a skilled technician with quick footwork and precise combinations. It is possible that Espinoza’s power could give him the edge in this matchup, but Chirino’s speed and accuracy could also prove to be a deciding factor. Ultimately, this fight has the potential to go either way, making it a must-watch for boxing fans.
Odds:
As of now, the odds for this fight have not been released. However, once they are available, they will provide valuable insight into how the experts view this matchup. It is important to keep an eye on the odds leading up to the fight, as they can change based on factors such as injuries, training camp performance, and public perception.
Viewing Information:
The Rafael Espinoza vs Sergio Chirino fight will take place on June 21 at a location yet to be determined. Fans can catch all the action live on pay-per-view or through various streaming services. Be sure to check your local listings for more information on how to watch this highly anticipated matchup.
In conclusion, the Rafael Espinoza vs Sergio Chirino fight promises to be an exciting and competitive bout. With both fighters bringing their A-game to the ring, fans can expect a thrilling showdown between two skilled boxers. Be sure to tune in on June 21 to see who comes out on top in this must-watch matchup.
