Alexis Rocha Caps Golden Boy Show With Another KO
The WBO’s top welterweight contender wanted to be impressive Saturday night and Alexis Rocha delivered. Rocha finished off the Golden Boy Promotions show in Indio, California with a fifth round TKO of veteran Anthony Young to continue his momentum.
The 25 year old, Rocha improved to 23-1, 15 KOs, with tremendous performance stalking Young with hard lefts out of the southpaw stance. And, he eventually had the crowd at the Fantasy Springs Casino on their feet with big combinations that repeatedly backed up Young into the corners and eventually, led to the stoppage.
That happened in the fifth round, as Rocha again teed off on the Atlantic City, NJ, native Young with lefts and rights to the head and body. And, he eventually caught Young on the ropes with a straight as an arrow left to the face dropping Young on the seat of his pants on the ropes.
He rose wearily and referee Thomas Taylor called the fight off at 2:15 of the fifth.
Young’s victory was his second straight as a headliner for Golden Boy Promotions. This after he demolished another welterweight veteran, George Ashie with a thunderous right hand KO back in January.
What’s next?
The win Saturday night was the seventh straight for the Irvine, CA, native, since his only pro defeat to Rashidi Ellis on a decision in October 202o. And, it keeps him in position for a potential mandatory shot with the WBO.
Their belt is currently held by Terence Crawford, and while there had been some talk of Rocha perhaps fighting Crawford this year, that’s obviously on hold. This, because Crawford has agreed to fight unified champ Errol Spence in an huge, undisputed showdown in late July.
For now, Rocha will be content to rack up wins like Saturday and wait for a world title shot.
