By Dan Ambrose: #1 WBO Rocha (23-1,15 KOs) and Santillan (31-0,16 KOs) are fighting live on DAZN on October 21st at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.
“When you have two almost undefeated fighters, Rocha has one loss, but the other kid [Santillan] is undefeated, Southern California,” said Oscar De La Hoya to Fight Hub TV about the October 21st fight between welterweight contenders Alexis Rocha and Giovani Santillan.
“That’s what we’re going to find out. The WBO contention is coming up soon, and so Crawford will make up his mind, and we’ll take it from there,” said De La Hoya about Rocha’s next move to challenge for the WBO welterweight title if he comes out victorious against Santillan.
“I think Alexis Rocha against Crawford will be an exciting fight if he decides to stay at 147. If he doesn’t stay at 147, the title comes vacant, and we fight for the world title if he gets by his next opponent,” said De La Hoya.
WBO’s top 10 rankings at 147
1. Alexis Rocha
2. Cody Crowley
3. Rashidi Ellis
4. Giovani Santillan
5. Jamal James
6. Josh Taylor
7. Shakhram Giyasov
8. Jin Sasaki
9. Liam Taylor
10. Mario Barrios
“When you have two kids fighting for something for a position to be the next world champion, the next in line, you’re going to get a war. It’s going to be a war, and the fact that it’s in LA, the fact that it’s at The Forum, LA fans expect the very best of you. This fight here is going to bring out the very best from both of them.
“If you take a look at their careers, I think experience is going to have a lot to do with this fight,” De LaHoya continued about the Rocha vs. Santillan clash. ”
“I do have to give the upper hand to Rocha because he does have the better opposition until this day, but you never know. The heart can kick in. Determination and hard work, you never know.
“That’s the beautiful thing about these types of fights. Anything can kick in at any moment—the heart, the speed, the power, so it’s going to be a good fight,” said DeLa Hoya on the Rocha-Santillan fight.
ALEXIS “LEX” ROCHA, NABO WELTERWEIGHT TITLE HOLDER: “I appreciate Giovani Santillan and his crew for accepting this fight. It was inevitable that this day would come. Both of us are close to getting a shot at the title. He’s prepped, and so am I. We’re about to give it our all. Fans will love this fight, and it could end with a surprise knockout. Make sure you’re watching.”
GIOVANI “GALLO DE ORO” SANTILLAN, WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER: “I’ve trained intensely, and I can’t wait for this chance. My goal is to capitalize on this and leave a lasting impression. Finally, I can let the world see my skills during the main event at the Kia Forum. This event holds a special place in my heart and promises to be thrilling.”
JOHN “SCRAPPY” RAMIREZ, SUPER FLYWEIGHT CONTENDER: “Our strategy was clear. We chose the right fights to pave our way to the championship. Many doubted my confidence in reaching this stage. However, I penned it down, envisioned it, and realized it. I’ve remained determined. While reaching this stage might seem straightforward, maintaining the position is challenging. But I’m here for the long haul. Don’t forget to watch on October 21.”
BERNARD HOPKINS, GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS PARTNER: “I express my gratitude to everyone backing Golden Boy and our vision. Now’s the time for statements. Fighters, whether you’re on my left or right, now’s your moment. So, stand out and own the stage if you can. Remember, the global audience is observing. Many thanks.”
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS: “We remain committed to the vow I made to boxing fans – collaborating with all to arrange the finest fights. Our event lineup is robust, featuring a world championship battle, a title decider, and a significant challenge for one of our promising fighters.”
Rocha vs. Santillan Start Time, Running Order
Q: When is the Rocha vs. Santillan fight scheduled?
A: The fight is set for Saturday, October 21. The broadcast will start at 10 p.m. ET / 3 a.m. UK time. The main event ringwalks are approximately at 12 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. UK time. Please note, the exact times may change based on the duration of the undercard fights.
Q: Can I stream Rocha vs. Santillan on DAZN?
A: Yes, the card will be streamed live on DAZN in over 200 countries around the world.
Q: Where will the fight take place?
A: The fight is scheduled at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.
Q: Can you share Alexis Rocha’s record and bio?
A:
- Nationality: American
- Date of birth: July 7, 1997
- Height: 5’10”
- Reach: 70′
- Total fights: 24
- Record: 23-1-0 with 15 KOs
Q: What about Giovani Santillan’s record and bio?
A:
- Nationality: American
- Date of birth: December 4, 1991
- Height: 5’8″
- Reach: 68.5″
- Total fights: 31
- Record: 31-0 with 16 KOs
Q: Can you provide the full fight card for the event?
A: Absolutely. Here’s the full lineup:
- Alexis Rocha vs. Giovani Santillan – 12 rounds for Rocha’s NABO welterweight championship
- John “Scrappy” Ramirez vs. Ronal Batista – 12 rounds, WBA junior bantamweight eliminator
- Joseph Diaz vs. Richard Medina – 10 rounds, lightweights
- Arely Mucino vs. Gabriela Fundora – 10 rounds for Mucino’s IBF women’s flyweight title
- Ricardo Sandoval vs. Victor Sandoval – 10 rounds, flyweights
- David Stevens vs. Joeshon James – 8 rounds, super middleweights
- Iyana Verduzco vs. Clarice Morales – 4 rounds, female featherweights
- Fabian Guzman vs. Rueben Johnson – 4 rounds, junior middleweights