The WBO has mandated a rematch between Mexican WBO featherweight champion Rafael Espinoza and Cuban Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez. The two fought each other before in 2023 which culminated in Ramirez―who had been the WBO champion then―losing his title to Espinoza after a surprise defeat to the Mexican.

The WBO officially notified both parties of their mandate on September 4th and has indicated the two fighters have 15 days to reach an agreement for their mandated featherweight (126 lbs) title fight. A purse bid will be scheduled if they fail to settle on a bout contract.

Both Rafael Espinoza (25-0, 21 KO’s) and Robeisy Ramirez (14-2, 9 KO’s) have fought just once since their fight last December, with the former netting his first official title defense victory in June.

Ramirez himself defeated Mexican 126 lbs contender Brandon Benitez (21-3, 9 KO’s) in the same month, rising quickly to the #1 spot on the WBO’s featherweight rankings following his victory over Benitez.

During these negotiations and potential purse bid proceedings, Espiinoza will be represented by Mexican-based promotion Zanfer Promotions, while Top Rank will be representing Ramirez.