Boxing
Ricardo Blandon Replaces Lorenzo Parra as Rafael Espinoza’s Challenger
The WBO’s October 24 advisory authorizes the No. 15-rated contender, subject to all applicable medical and regulatory requirements.
Ricardo Blandon has received WBO approval to replace Lorenzo Parra as the challenger to featherweight champion Rafael Espinoza on the October 31 card in Riyadh.
The organization’s advisory, issued Saturday, October 24, authorized the No. 15-rated contender as the substitute, subject to compliance with all applicable medical and regulatory requirements.
The WBO said Canelo Promotions had informed it that the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission, the local authority overseeing the event, had decided not to authorize Parra’s participation under its governing rules and policies.
The advisory did not identify a specific reason for that decision.
Canelo Promotions requested Blandon as the replacement. In granting that request, the WBO cited the exceptional circumstances, the proximity of the event and the limited time available to secure a qualified substitute.
Espinoza’s featherweight championship is a separate title on the card headlined by Canelo Álvarez’s challenge against Christian Mbilli for the WBC super middleweight belt.
