Lorenzo Parra out: Rafael Espinoza to fight Ricardo Blandon on Canelo-Mbilli undercard

WBO President Gustavo Olivieri, Esq. has confirmed their featherweight champion, Rafael Espinoza, will now defend against WBO No. 15-ranked Ricardo Blandon on the undercard of the Canelo Alvarez-Christian Mbilli “Mexico vs. The World” event, broadcast live on DAZN, Saturday, October 31, from Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Guadalajara, Mexico’s Espinoza, 28-0 (24 KOs), was originally scheduled to face his No. 1 mandatory challenger, former world champion Lorenzo Parra of Venezuela, however, reported “medical exam complications,” have forced him to withdraw on short notice.

Thus, in steps Nicaragua’s Blandon, 21-6 (14 KOs), who is relatively unknown and untested on the world-class stage compared to Parra.  

The Parra to Blandon switch was first revealed by Espinoza on Box Azteca.

“In boxing, things like this happen,” explained Espinoza. “You have to be mentally prepared. I’m taking it in stride, and I’m ready to fight whoever it is… He’ll (Blandon) come at me with a burning desire to become world champion. That’s exactly why I need to stay sharp.”

Olivieri has now officially confirmed the change to BoxingScene: 

“The WBO has been formally advised by Canelo Promotions that the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission, the competent local authority having jurisdiction over the October 31 event in Riyadh, has determined not to authorize Lorenzo Parra’s participation against WBO Featherweight World Champion Rafael “Divino” Espinoza, on grounds attributable to the Commission’s governing rules, regulations, and policies,” said Olivieri. 

“We fully respect the Commission’s determination and its regulatory authority over the contest… In light of these unforeseen circumstances, Canelo Promotions, as promoter of record, has requested authorization for WBO No. 15-rated contender Ricardo Blandon to serve as a substitute opponent.”

While the announcement came as an apparent source of disappointment to some due to the perceived drop in opponent quality, Olivieri says the circumstances dictated Blandon’s quick approval. 

“Considering the exceptional circumstances,” Olivieri continued, “the proximity of the event, the limited time available to secure a qualified replacement, and the legitimate interests of the champion, participating promoters, event organizers, and boxing fans, together with Blandon’s standing in the WBO World Ratings, the WBO will grant the requested authorization, subject to full compliance with all applicable medical and regulatory requirements.”

The "Canelo" Alvarez-Christian Mbilli event has been mired in controversy with many calling to postpone or relocate the event, due to heightening tension between Saudi Arabia and forces in Yemen. 

On October 17, Iranian-supported Houthis rebels launched an attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, killing at least 12 people and injuring more than 300 and have expanded hostilities since then, with drone and ballistic missile attacks targeting oil infrastructure, regional airports, and military installations.

Yesterday, the US State Department ordered non-essential embassy staff and their family members to evacuate the country, however Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alalshikh, maintains the fight will go head “no matter what happens.”