Rafael Espinoza TKO7 Edward Vazquez... Mexican featherweight Rafael Espinoza (27-0, 23 KOs) celebrated Cinco de Mayo by defending his WBO crown with a seventh-round stoppage against Edward Vazquez (17-3, 4 KOs).  Espinoza (27-0, 23 KOs) controlled the fight early with a stiff jab and swift footwork, but he could not resist fighting on the inside, going punch for punch with Vazquez in rounds three and four.  By the fifth, Vazquez was wearing down, and continuous uppercuts and punches to the body eventually forced him to retreat against the ropes. Espinoza forced the stoppage at 1:17 of the seventh with a nonstop barrage. “I knew he was a great opponent. I knew he would come to fight. And that’s good because it allowed me to show more of my capabilities,” Espinoza said. “This is the kind of fight that people like to watch. And I like it, too. The people deserve these types of fights. And, as a Mexican fighting on this important Mexican date, I did it with all of my heart, and I will continue doing so. In order for a new Mexican idol to be born, I’ll need to fight against the best. So, I’m here. I’m the champion. And I’m here to fight against the best.”