Alexis Rocha Scores Devastating KO In Golden Boy Main Event

Welterweight contender Alexis Rocha wanted to enhance his standing in the rankings with his Saturday night showcase for Golden Boy Promotions. And with one thunderous right, he did so.

Rocha dispatched late replacement, veteran George Ashie with the booming overhand shot in the seventh round to end things and improve to 22-1, 14 KOs at the new YouTube Theater in Inglewood, CA.

👀 WHAT AN ENDING! @AlexisRocha777 with a BIG KO over a very tough and resilient George Ashie.#RochaAshie | LIVE on @DAZNBoxing pic.twitter.com/GonU27Kgxo

— Golden Boy (@GoldenBoyBoxing) January 29, 2023

Rocha won the bout presented in association with Star Boxing, which also saw him drop Ashie in the third round, before finishing things in the seventh. The fight was broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

“I wanted to make a statement,” said Alexis Rocha. “Crawford is next. But if that can’t happen, I want all the big names. I’m signed to the best promotional company in the world, and I know they’ll make it happen. He [Ashie] was a tough fighter, but I knew he wasn’t going to hang with me.”

The 25 year old Rocha is referring to WBO titleholder and one of the top pound for pound fighters in the world, Terence Crawford, who was in attendance Saturday night. Crawford is a promotional free agent and Golden Boy not only has the option of a potential Rocha battle but also unbeaten contender Vergil Ortiz is in their stable, as well.

The Texan Ortiz, 19-0, 19 KOs, is waiting to fight Eimantas Stanionis, who had to delay due to an appendicitis, and their WBA eliminator bout is now back on for April 29th.

So, Rocha, who’s won six straight bouts since his only career loss to Rashidi Ellis in October 2020 would make more possible sense in the short term to battle Crawford, if a deal could be worked out by Golden Boy. However, that’s far from a guarantee.

On the undercard Saturday, Austin, Texas’s Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield (13-0, 10 KOs) scored a steady 10 round decision win over Puerto Rico’s Alberto Mercado (17-4-2, 4 KOs) for the vacant WBA International Lightweight Title. All three judges scored the fight 100-89, and Schofield, who’s looking for higher profile fights, took home the new belt.

“My feet hurt, but it was a good victory,” said Floyd Schofield. “To the fans, thank you for all the love and support, and next time I’ll definitely get that knockout. We want to fight Keyshawn Davis next.”

Also, Indio, CA trained Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (11-1, 9 KOs) went straight to business and a scored a third round knockout against Ulises Sierra (17-2-3). Sierra went down twice during the bout and the fight was stopped at 2:59 of the third.

“I’m happy that I just won and as I said before Gabe Rosado is the guy I’m looking for and if not him, anyone,” said Bektemir Melikuziev. “I’m ready. Just give me any 168-lb fight. Thank you to all of my supporters, we’re moving little by little. We’re getting closer to the title shot, we got another title today and we’re looking forward to the world championship.”