This Saturday, get ready for an explosive showdown as featherweight sensation Bruce Carrington (14-0, 8 KOs) steps into the ring for a 10-round undercard bout against the formidable Enrique Vivas (23-3, 12 KOs). Airing at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ESPN and ESPN+, the event is set to take place at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.
Carrington, currently ranked #1 with the WBC and WBO and #2 with the WBA, has faced some heat from fans for targeting champions Nick Ball and Stephen Fulton while seemingly overlooking the towering 6’1" champion Rafael Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs).
Running Out of Time
At 27 years old, Carrington is aware that the clock is ticking. He’s been told by his promoter, Top Rank, that Espinoza isn’t interested in a showdown. This claim raises eyebrows, especially since Espinoza has been a wrecking ball in the ring, recently finishing off former WBO 126-lb champ Robeisy Ramirez in just six rounds last December. With his accolades, Espinoza could easily become Carrington’s golden ticket.
Despite his talent, Carrington’s in a tight spot—too old to be just a prospect but still not yet a marquee name. It’s a wonder why Top Rank hasn’t pushed him harder toward a world title bout by now.
"We’re ready to entertain," Carrington told Sean Zittel when asked about his plans, "because challenging Ball and Fulton are not just about titles but also the appeal and the payday. Plus, from what I’ve heard, Espinoza isn’t interested in facing me."
Espinoza’s take on this would be intriguing. Is Carrington’s claim valid, or is this mind games? Some might believe it’s out of character for a knockout artist like Espinoza to avoid less dangerous territory, especially since Carrington struggled against Sulaiman Segawa last September and hasn’t headlined bigger cards yet.
Is Espinoza Avoiding Carrington?
"So, why beat a dead horse?" Carrington remarked, addressing Espinoza’s so-called disinterest. "You’ve seen me challenge them all. Why the doubt about my hostility toward Espinoza? I’ve even shown up at his fights, declaring I’d chop him down."
Carrington’s intensity when discussing Espinoza is almost theatrical. It’s understandable if he aims for Ball and Fulton, both posing less threat and high reward. But let’s keep it honest.
“People have short memories, but he’s not keen on a fight with me,” Carrington continued. “Honestly, why bring him up? The fights with Ball and Fulton are more fruitful and help my standing. They’re the kind of bouts that elevate my name.”
Carrington seems clear on his strategy. “Should Espinoza have a change of heart, I’m game. I get the stakes, and I respect his choices. His moment will come, and I’d welcome that fight. But for now, my eye’s on the prize—a world title by year’s end. That’s my target.”
As the date approaches, Carrington’s stance shines a light on the intricacies of boxing politics, fighter rivalries, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. As always, in the world of boxing, anything can happen, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how it all unfolds.
