Santa Ana’s star Alexis “Lex” Rocha (21-1, 13 KOs) will face new opponent George “Red Tiger” Ashie (33-5-1, 25 KOs) of Accra, Ghana, as the main event for the 12-round clash set for January 28 at YouTube Theater in Inglewood and presented in association with Star Boxing. The originally announced opponent, Anthony Young, suffered a nose injury and can no longer participate in the fight against Rocha. Doors to the venue will open at 3:00 p.m. PST, and the worldwide broadcast on DAZN begins at 5:00 p.m. PST/ 8:00 p.m. EST.
“I recently learned of the injury that Anthony suffered in sparring,” said Alexis Rocha. “To be honest, it does not matter who is standing across from me in that ring come Saturday night. The goal and the assignment remains the same: break my opponent’s will and win by stoppage. I’m ready for any fighter they put in front of me.”
Ashie is the current IBF Continental Africa super lightweight champion, and will present a significant challenge to Rocha as his last five fights have ended in jaw-dropping knockouts.
"I promise the fans will see a great boxing match and that l will knock him out coldly,” said Ashie. “I do thank Alexis for giving me this opportunity. I will prove to the world on Saturday night who George is. Thank you to my team, especially Emmanuel Addo and Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing for making this happen. I am the Red Tiger and I rule the ring whenever I step in it."
“It doesn’t matter what opponent is in front of Alexis, he will do whatever it takes to attain the victory,” said chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “We applaud George Ashie for taking this fight on a week’s notice - this will be a war with two fighters out to prove they’re worthy contenders in the sport.”