Originally, The Ring’s No. 1 at 126 pounds was set to take on Lorenzo Parra on October 31 on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on DAZN pay-per-view.

However, Parra, the WBO’s No. 1 contender, was forced to withdraw due to “complications” from a medical exam. Stepping in will be Ricardo Blandon, who’s ranked 15th by the WBO.

Although Parra and Blandon have different styles, Espinoza isn’t worried about the sudden opponent change.

“In boxing, things like this happen,” Espinoza said during an interview with Box Azteca. “You have to be mentally prepared. I’m taking it in stride and I’m ready to fight whoever it is.”

The 34-year-old Nicaraguan has won four straight bouts, three by stoppage. Still, Blandon figures to be a massive underdog.

Espinoza (28-0, 24 KOs) hasn’t fought in 2026, but he’s on a four-fight KO streak, the last one coming against Arnold Khegai in November.

The Mexican is hoping to eventually land marquee fights against any of his fellow champions, or pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue who sits a class below at junior featherweight.

Those dreams will fall by the wayside if he loses to Blandon (21-6, 14 KOs). Considering that his opponent has little to lose and everything to gain, Espinoza promises to be dialed in and ready for everything.

“He’ll come at me with a burning desire to become world champion,” Espinoza said. “That’s exactly why I need to stay sharp.”