By Dennis Principe

30.09 - To prove he is still not over-the-hill, former two-division world champion Luisito Espinosa of the Philippines is lining up a one-fight a month schedule until the end of the year.

First on the list is a 10-round outing against a tough, undefeated North America Boxing Association (NABA) featherweight champion Zahir “Z-Man” Raheem on October 11 in Tulsa, Oklahoma which will be one of the featured fights of ESPN2’s Friday Night Card.

The 25 year-old Philadelphia native Raheem (19-0, 10 KO’s) won the title via 12-round unanimous decision from one-time world title challenger Joe Morales last March in Oklahoma.

Raheem’s most impressive win was against veteran Benito Rodriguez whome he bludgeoned via 4th round TKO. Prior to fighting Raheem, Rodriguez has fought at least 10 world champions including Diego Corrales, Kevin Kelley and Guty Espadas.

After the Raheem encounter, Espinosa (46-10, 25 KO’s) is booked for another 10-round fight versus a still unnamed opponent on November 15. He is then expecting a world title fight by December possibly against WBA superfeatherweight champion Yodsanan 3-K Battery of Thailand.

Espinosa’s manager Noel Rivera revealed he even received an offer from North Cotabato Governor Manny Piñol for them to appear in the undercard of IBF superbantamweight champion Manny Pacquiao’s title defense this October in Davao City.

“We’re very grateful to the governor’s offer but we already signed a contract for the Raheem fight. but we still wish Pacquiao the best for this will be his time to shine in front of our countrymen” Rivera said.

Rivera added it is still the 34-year old Espinosa dream to fight for a world title in front of his legions of Filipino fans before he retires.

“This is his way of giving something back to the millions of believers who have loved and suppored him.” Said Rivera.

Espinosa’s last outing was a two round demolition of two-time world title challenger Ever Beleno of
Colombia last March in San Jose, California.