Mexican knockout sensation Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza will defend his WBO featherweight world title against Arnold Khegai on Saturday, Nov. 15, at Arena Potosí in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

The Guadalajara native will risk his crown on Mexican soil for the first time, while Khegai receives his long-awaited shot at a world title nearly three years after he first cracked the WBO top 15.

The undercard will showcase a trio of Top Rank-promoted Mexican-American stars.

U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. returns in a 10-round heavyweight contest against Czech veteran Tomas Salek, while rising junior welterweight Emiliano Fernando Vargas competes in his first scheduled 10-rounder versus Jonathan Montrel.

17-year-old junior lightweight prodigy Julian “El Natural” Montalvo (4-0, 3 KOs), who hails from Las Vegas, aims for his third triumph of the year in a six-rounder.

“Rafael Espinoza is a unique talent, a 6-foot-1 featherweight with devastating knockout power in either hand. He is a dominant force, but I expect Arnold Khegai to be a formidable test,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “San Luis Potosí is a great fight town, and I’m thrilled that the Mexican fans will have an opportunity to see several future world champions in action on the undercard.”

Espinoza (27-0, 23 KOs) captured the WBO featherweight world title in December 2023 with a majority decision over two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez. In what was ESPN’s Upset of the Year, Espinoza rose from the canvas in the fifth before returning the favor in the climactic 12th stanza to clinch the decision. Since then, he has made three defenses, stopping Sergio Chirino in four rounds in June 2024, halting Ramirez in six in their rematch that December, and battering Edward Vazquez in May in Las Vegas.

Espinoza said, “I’m happy and anxious to get back into the ring because it will be in my country, with my people. I want to display new tools from my arsenal. I know Arnold Khegai is strong, but that’s motivating me to keep demonstrating that I am ready for big things. I can’t wait for the support from the Mexican fans.”

Khegai (23-2-1, 14 KOs), who is of Korean descent, took up combat sports in his teens to help support his family. A two-time world champion in Thai boxing and a Ukrainian national amateur champion, he turned professional in 2015 before making his debut stateside in 2018 with a decision victory over Adam “Mantequilla” Lopez. Khegai is 7-1 since moving up to featherweight, with his only blemish coming via split decision to division mainstay Joet Gonzalez in March. Khegai, ranked No. 9 by the WBO, returned to winning ways with an eight-round decision over Liborio Solis in September.

“When my team mentioned Rafael Espinoza as an opponent, I told them to do whatever it takes to make the fight,” Khegai said. “I’ve had a long journey in boxing, and this is the opportunity of a lifetime. I am coming to Mexico to ruin his homecoming.”