Road to Redemption
After a setback in October 2023 against Giovani Santillan, welterweight Alexis Rocha has bounced back with two solid victories in 2024. Now boasting a 25-2 (16 KOs) record, the 27-year-old from Santa Ana, California, is eager to continue his momentum as he heads into his December 14 match against Raul Curiel. Both fighters, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, understand that a win could potentially secure a title opportunity. This high-stakes fight at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, is Rocha’s chance to solidify his comeback and inch closer to his world title dream.
Reflecting on his defeat to Santillan, Rocha credits that experience with shaping him into a more mature, resilient fighter. “You live, you learn, and sometimes you gain from it,” he shared, emphasizing that the loss taught him patience and composure in the ring. For Rocha, each fight since has been an opportunity to apply these lessons, and he now sees himself as just “one win away” from a title shot.
A Tough Opponent in Curiel
Facing Rocha is 28-year-old Raul Curiel, a fierce competitor and 2016 Olympian with an impressive 15-0 (13 KOs) record, including a ten-fight knockout streak. Trained by Hall of Fame coach Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Boxing Club, Curiel is known for his aggressive style and quick combinations. Although the older fighter, Curiel is still considered a rising prospect and poses a formidable challenge for Rocha.
Rocha is no stranger to Curiel’s style and is confident, viewing him as “just another name” on his list of opponents. However, he acknowledges Curiel’s skill and plans to handle the fight with the same resilience that has defined his journey so far. With his sights set on a title opportunity, Rocha is prepared to give it all and prove that he has learned and grown from past defeats.
