George Ashie referenced a fight from Oscar De La Hoya’s past as inspiration for his fight this Saturday against Alexis Rocha.
Rocha - represented by De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions - and Ghanaian fighter Ashie will face off live on DAZN as the American welterweight prepares for a return to the ring after fighting just once last year.
Ashie has stepped in as a late replacement after Rocha had been scheduled to fight Anthony Young, allowing the card to go ahead.
The 38-year-old, whose career stretches back almost two decades, mentioned Ike Quartey’s exploits up against De La Hoya as inspiration.
Quartey, also hailing from Ghana, fought the American in February 2019, knocking down De La Hoya in Las Vegas as he attempted to win the WBC 147lb strap, but losing by a controversial split decision victory, with many believing Quartey had done enough for victory.
“I’m very happy. I want to prove to the fans that I belong. For me, this is the sequel to Oscar De La Hoya and Ike Quartey,” Ashie said, reported BoxingScene.com. “This time, it’s not going to Mexico. It’s going to Ghana.”
Ashie continued: “It’s a great opportunity for me.
“I was in training for a fight when this came along. I am ready for it.”