WBO Won’t Order Marlen Esparza-Gabriela Alaniz Trilogy Fight

The World Boxing Organization on Thursday denied former flyweight champion Marlen Esparza’s request for a third fight with Gabriela Alaniz following Alaniz’s split decision title victory April 27 in Fresno, California.

Esparza (14-2, 1 KO), after defeating Alaniz (15-1, 6 KOs) by majority decision in July 2023, missed weight for the rematch and was edged on the scorecards, 97-93, 92-98, 96-94.

Esparza’s attorney, Kurt Emhoff, requested a “direct return fight” – a trilogy match – to be ordered by the WBO, citing “questionable, controversial” scoring and the unofficial scoring done on the DAZN broadcast and by ringside media.

In response, the WBO assigned five anonymous judges to review the fight, and each turned in a scorecard favoring Alaniz, six rounds to four. Therefore, the WBO issued a final decision to deny Esparza’s request.