Alexis Rocha Withdraws From Raul Curiel Rematch After Weight-Cut Hospitalization

Lance Pugmire reports that welterweight Alexis Rocha has withdrawn from his scheduled rematch against Raul Curiel after experiencing serious complications while cutting weight.

The bout was set to headline Golden Boy Promotions’ January 16 card at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs. Rocha was hospitalized after his weight cut deteriorated, forcing the late cancellation of the main event.

Rocha and Curiel were slated to meet again following their December 2024 fight, a fight that ended in a majority decision win for Rocha. One judge scored the fight even, while the other two favored Rocha by margins of four and eight points. The result was debated, and the pace and volume of the fight generated enough interest for a quick rematch to be approved.

This time, the fight did not reach fight week intact.

According to Pugmire, Rocha’s condition worsened during the final stages of the weight cut, prompting medical intervention and removal from the event. No further details on his condition were immediately released, though the decision was described as precautionary.

Golden Boy Promotions is now working to keep the card intact. Promoters are considering several late replacements to face Curiel, including Israel Mercado, as they attempt to salvage the main event on short notice.

Raul Curiel remains on the card for now, though no replacement opponent has been finalized. The event is scheduled to stream on DAZN.

The situation again exposes the fragility of events built around strict weight limits. Rocha has competed at welterweight throughout his career, but the division continues to test fighters as they age and grow.

This card moved forward quickly once the rematch was agreed. It unraveled just as fast.

Pugmire adds that Jordan Panthen has been elevated from a non-DAZN undercard bout to Friday night’s main event against Raul Curiel following Alexis Rocha’s withdrawal.

Rocha was forced out after struggling through his weight cut ahead of Thursday morning’s weigh-in session, ending plans for a rematch with Curiel following their December 2024 draw. With the headliner lost, Panthen was offered the fight and accepted on short notice.

The bout will be contested at a contracted catchweight of 158 pounds. Panthen, who had been scheduled to face a different opponent, weighed 157 pounds during the morning session. Curiel was later permitted to rehydrate and returned to the scale in the afternoon at 155.8.

Panthen said the decision to step in required little deliberation.

“They asked me about it, I thought for one or two seconds and said yes,” Panthen told BoxingScene. “I’m expecting a good, hard fight and I’m looking to throw hands. Coming to win.”

The replacement changes preparation on both sides. Curiel had spent weeks studying his fight with Rocha, while Panthen now faces a welterweight ranked inside the top seven by three sanctioning bodies. Panthen acknowledged the shift but said he relies more on preparation than tape.

Panthen also enters the bout under new guidance, having recently switched trainers to veteran cornerman Ronnie Shields. He said Shields’ experience has helped steady the transition.

For Curiel, the disruption removes what was seen as a step toward a title opportunity. His manager, Frank Espinoza Jr, said the choice came down to fighting or withdrawing altogether.

“The opponent is heavier,” Espinoza said. “But Raul trained hard and wanted to fight. This is the best option.”

The fight moves forward. The original plan does not.