Rafael Espinoza has a replacement opponent for October 31 in Riyadh, with the WBO approving No. 15 contender Ricardo Blandon after the local commission refused to authorize Lorenzo Parra’s participation.

The change comes just one week before the event, leaving Blandon little time to prepare for a featherweight title opportunity against the unbeaten champion.

In an official advisory shared by WBO president Gustavo Olivieri, the organization confirmed that Canelo Promotions informed it of the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission’s decision regarding Parra. The notice attributed that refusal to the commission’s rules, regulations, and policies.

The advisory does not identify the specific reason Parra was rejected. It offers no basis for attributing his removal to a medical issue, failed test, or any other particular cause.

Canelo Promotions subsequently requested approval for Blandon, whose No. 15 position places him at the bottom of the WBO’s ranked contenders.

The organization cited the short notice, limited time to find a qualified replacement and the interests of those involved in the event when explaining its approval. Blandon must still satisfy all applicable medical and regulatory requirements.

That keeps Espinoza’s planned defense alive, although finding an eligible challenger and producing a competitive title fight are separate questions. A ranking gets Blandon through the sanctioning body’s door. It does not give him additional preparation time.

Espinoza also has to adjust to a different opponent during the final week. His camp has been preparing for Parra, and the replacement forces a late change to whatever tactical work was already completed.

For Blandon, the opportunity comes with an obvious cost: he is accepting a world championship fight under circumstances that give him little room for a full camp.

The WBO has explained its decision to approve the substitute. The unanswered question is what specifically prevented Parra from competing. Until the commission or those involved provide that explanation, the confirmed news is limited to his removal and Blandon’s conditional approval.