This afternoon, outside of the YouTube Theater, Alexis Rocha and George Ashie met for the official weigh in. Ashie weighed in at 146 lbs, and Rocha weighed in at 146.4 lbs. as both men looked fit and ready. Tomorrow night (1/28), George Ashie will challenge Alexis Rocha for his WBO NABO Welterweight Title at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, CA. A lifetime of trials and tribulations have led Ashie to this opportunity, and it was not always easy.
Photo: Golden Boy Promotions / Cris Esqueda
Ashie was born in Accra, Ghana, where he fought in the streets before ever lacing them up in the ring. Growing tired of his fighting nature, George’s mom decided it was time for him turn to boxing to take out his aggression. It wasn’t long that a young George went from a street fighter to a 16-year amateur stand out in Africa, becoming a 3-time national champion.
Life in Ghana was tough while trying to rise the ranks in the boxing world. George has two children who he raised as a single father. With his fists as his only allies, George continued to use boxing to get his children out of poverty. His dream remains to become a world champion to help his family, his kids and his mom.
In his 2003 pro debut, George took a shocking points loss in his pro debut. It would have been easy for him to lay his gloves down, but instead George decided to fight back. Over his next twenty bouts, George would accumulate a record of 17-2-1, securing the UBC, ABF and Commonwealth Titles during the span. Most recently in August, George defeated previously undefeated Robert Quaye (then 20-0) for the IBF Continental Africa Super Lightweight Title.
When it comes to Saturday night, George knows the task ahead of him will not be easy, but like the story of his life, he will bite down and persevere, knowing a victory puts him in touching distance of becoming a world champion. The 12-round main event fight will be the first boxing event at YouTube Theater on January 28. Doors to the venue will open at 3:00 p.m. PST, and the worldwide broadcast LIVE on DAZN begins at 5:00 p.m. PST/ 8:00 p.m. EST.
Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya and Jason Gannon, managing director, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, discussed the intricacies of the venue and excitement leading up to its first boxing event.
ALEXIS “LEX” ROCHA, NABO WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION:
“I’m super excited to be the main event again. After this fight, I feel like I will have the power to start calling out the big guys and demanding for the big fights.”
“I feel privileged to headline the first-ever boxing event to be held at the YouTube Theater. It’s going to be a great night of boxing on DAZN and I hope that everyone can tune in.”
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY:
“2023 is a big year for Golden Boy and we have a huge slate of fights ready to go. YouTube Theater is such an intimate venue, and fans will feel the energy being so close to the ring.”
“January 28 has an excellent slate of fights. From the opening fight to the main event, fans can expect fireworks.”
JASON GANNON, MANAGING DIRECTOR, SOFI STADIUM AND HOLLYWOOD PARK:
“Here at Hollywood Park and YouTube Theater, we couldn’t be more excited to host our first boxing match up on January 28.”
“We think that this event will be an incredible part of the overall story here at YouTube Theater, hosting world-class fighters in partnership with Golden Boy.”
Rocha vs. Ashie is a 12-round welterweight fight for the NABO Welterweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Hard Hitting Promotions. Schofield vs. Machado is a 10-round fight for the vacant WBA International Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Davies Entertainment. The fight night will take place on Saturday, January 28, live from YouTube Theater in Inglewood, CA and will be broadcast on DAZN worldwide.
