Alexis Rocha has his subsequent struggle date set for Saturday, October 21 at The Kia Discussion board in Inglewood, California, the place he faces Giovani Santillan. The competition options WBO No. 1-ranked welterweight contender of Santa Ana defending his NABO title in opposition to undefeated WBO No. 4-ranked contender of San Diego. The pair squares off within the scheduled for 12 rounds bout dwell on DAZN.
Alexis Rocha (23-1, 15 KOs) was in motion in Could in Indio, CA, the place he stopped Anthony Younger within the fifth spherical. In January, the 26-year-old southpaw KO’d George Ashie in Spherical 7.
“October is an enormous month in my profession. That is the kind of match up that I’ve ready for,” stated Alexis Rocha. “I do know my opponent and his complete staff nicely. I respect all of them, and I do know I’ll should be at my greatest come struggle evening. However that’s what I demand of myself in each struggle and that’s what’s going to occur come October 21. I will likely be at my greatest, and my greatest is at a distinct degree. I do know Giovani requested for this struggle, however like my coach at all times says, watch out what you want for.”
Giovani Santillan (31-0, 16 KOs) final fought in July in Shawnee, OK, the place he scored a unanimous determination in opposition to Erick Bone. In 2022, the 31-year-old southpaw, who beforehand held NABO welterweight belt, earned a UD in opposition to Julio Luna Avila and stopped Jeovanis Barraza within the seventh spherical.
“I’ve been ready a very long time for a possibility in opposition to a fighter of Rocha’s caliber. Defeating Rocha places me on the earth title combine and in place for even larger fights, however I’m targeted on the duty at hand,” Giovani Santillan stated. “I needed this struggle, in order quickly as High Rank and my administration informed me this struggle was taking place, I used to be thrilled. That is my time, and I’m going to take full benefit of this chance.”
The bouts featured on Rocha vs Santillan undercard are anticipated to be introduced shortly.
“Alexis’ confidence and dedication could be seen in the truth that he fights extra typically than any contender within the sport and takes on all comers – together with these with undefeated information,” stated Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “Whereas Lex absolutely deserves a title shot, he additionally is aware of the worth of staying energetic as demonstrated by his huge enchancment over the previous couple of years. I count on one other standout efficiency from the satisfaction of Santa Ana and one other step up the ladder of the welterweight division.”
“That is going to be an incredible battle between two of Southern California’s welterweight warriors,” stated High Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I’ve little question Giovani will rise to the event. I additionally give Alexis Rocha credit score for accepting this problem. He’s on the verge of a world title shot and risking lots in dealing with Giovani. I can’t wait till October 21.”
In Australia, the occasion airs on Sunday, October 22.