Mexico's Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza pulled off one of the biggest upsets in 2023, when he got off the floor to score a knockdown in the final round to secure a twelve round decision over heavily favored Robeisy Ramírez to capture the WBO featherweight title.

During the fight, which took place on December 9 in South Florida, Espinoza suffered an ankle injury and is now undergoing therapy in Guadalajara, Mexico.

“I still haven't been able to train until my ankle fully recovers, I'm going to start doing some physical work. I got this injury when I got up after Robeisy sent me to the canvas," Espinoza said to Lui Sanchez.

During the fifth round, the Cuban hit him with a left hand and Espinoza went down hard.

“That's why I went against the ropes, although I was also dizzy from the punch. The referee asked me if I was okay. I answered yes, he cleaned my gloves and when the fight resumed the bell rang and that gave me time to recover," Espinoza said.

Espinoza believed his ankle was broken, but that wasn't the case, it was just a dislocation. He held firm, scored a knockdown of his own in the twelfth and final round and felt that at 29 years of age he had achieved his great goal as a boxer.

Espinoza has yet to discuss his future with his handlers, but he feels that a new fight with Ramirez is necessary.

“I said it before: Robeisy gave me the opportunity to challenge him for the world title, I am very grateful for that and of course willing to give him a rematch,” said Espinoza. “Anyway, my team is in charge, and I will wait for whatever they decide.”

The fight between the two was one of the best of the year. From bell to bell it was a relentless exchange of blows. Espinoza threw nearly 1,000 punches.

“With the kind of fight we gave we can fill any arena, Miami, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Guadalajara,” said Espinoza. “I’m not asking for where it should be, I’m just going to do my job.

“My style is to stay at a distance, but sometimes you have to attack hard. In the event of a rematch we would see a new strategy put together with my team and I would train for the best Robeisy with every possible variant.”