Alexis Rocha: ‘We Both Knew This Fight Would Come one day’

Golden Boy Promotions held their final press conference before Saturday’s intriguing welterweight main event, which will stream live on DAZN. Alexis Rocha (23-1, 15 KOs) looks to move one step closer to a title shot when he faces the rugged Giovani Santillan (31-0, 16 KOs). It seems to be a war on paper, and with the die-hard L.A. fight fans in attendance, it should make for a great atmosphere. Here are some quotes from the press conference held earlier today.

INGLEWOOD, CALIF. (October 19, 2023) – In the lead up to their welterweight showdown to prove they are on the top of the welterweight division, Santa Ana’s very own NABO Welterweight Titleholder Alexis “Lex” Rocha (23-1, 15 KOs) and San Diego’s undefeated Giovani “Gallo de Oro” Santillan (31-0, 16 KOs) hosted a press conference today to promote their match. Rocha vs. Santillan is a 12-round fight taking place at the Kia Forum on Saturday, October 21 and is presented in association with Top Rank. Doors to the Kia Forum open at 3:00 p.m. PT, the first fight starts at 3:05 p.m. and the worldwide broadcast begins on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT.

In the co-main event, John “Scrappy” Ramirez (12-0, 8 KOs) will participate in a 12-round, WBA Super Flyweight Title Eliminator against Ronal Batista (15-3, 9 KOs). Also on DAZN in a 10-round flyweight fight, Rialto’s Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval (22-2, 16 KOs) will fight Victor Sandoval (37-3, 23 KOs).

In the night’s championship fight presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions and Sampson Boxing, four-time World Champion and current IBF Flyweight Titleholder Arely “Ametralladora” Muciño (32-3-2, 11 KOs) will defend her hard-won title against the Coachella Valley’s undefeated Gabriela Fundora (11-0, 4 KOs). Opening the broadcast, David “Dynamite” Stevens (13-0, 9 KOs) will hope to maintain his clean record in an eight-round super middleweight match against Joeshon James (7-0-2, 4 KOs) of Sacramento, California.

On the preliminary card, San Fernando’s Iyana “Roxy” Verduzco will make her anticipated professional debut in a four-round lightweight fight against Clarice Morales (0-2-1) of Toledo, Ohio. Opening the fight night, Fabian Guzman (2-0, 2 KOs) of Orange, CA will participate in a four-round middleweight fight against Rueben Johnson (0-2) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Previously announced Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. has experienced COVID-like symptoms. Out of an abundance of caution for him and his opponent, he will no longer participate on the Rocha vs. Santillan card.

ALEXIS ROCHA

I want to thank Giovani Santillan and his team taking this fight. We both knew this fight would come one day. We’re knocking on the door for title contention. He’s ready. I’m ready. We’re going to bring it. This is a fan friendly fight that could potentially end in a knockout either way, so you guys do not want to miss this.”

GIOVANI SANTILLAN

“I’ve been working very hard and I’m very excited for this opportunity. I’m planning on making the most out of this, and I plan on making a statement. I’m finally getting a chance to show the world who I am as the main event at the Kia Forum. This is something very meaningful for me and it’s going to be an exciting night.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS PARTNER

“Thank you everybody who supports Golden Boy and supports our mission. It’s statement time. To all the fighters to my left and to my right, it is time. So, make the statement and steal the show if you can. Understand that the world is watching. Thank you.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS

“We are proud to keep the promise I made to boxing fans about working with everyone to make the best fights possible. This card is stacked from top to bottom including a world championship fight, a title eliminator, and a tough fight for one of our top rising prospects.

Abraham Gonzalez

Abraham Gonzalez is the founder of FightsATW. His journalistic work has been published and used across several platforms to include online, network TV and promotional companies. He is an American Public University alumnus and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). Abraham was the Managing Editor for NYFights, Big Fight Weekend, contributed to FanSidedMMA and ProBoxTV.

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