Golden Boy Fight Week Interview Part 2:
Alexis “Lex” Rocha
By William Trillo.JPG)
It’s the Semi-Main event on the big Golden Boy card this Saturday in Los Angeles but Alexis Rocha (18-1, 12 KO’s) vs. Blair Cobbs (15-0-1, 10 KO’s) might end up being the fight of the night. The two warriors will collide on DAZN in a matchup that has Donnybrook written all over it. We spoke to Rocha about the big night and got his thoughts as the big fight night approaches.
Pound4Pound: Hey, Alexis, I really appreciate you taking time to do interviews. I know that this is a really busy week for you guys. So, I’m going to just jump right into it. Okay?
Alexsis Rocha: I appreciate you. Well first off, thank you so much for interviewing me. Thank you for taking your time too. It means the world to me.
P4P: You’re welcome. I couldn’t miss out on speaking to you. Tell me, when you very first heard about the opportunity to fight Blair Cobbs, what was your immediate reaction?
AR: You know, I was excited. I was very excited to fight someone like Blair cobbs. I said yes without hesitation. I’m looking forward to our fight March 19.
P4P: Me too. I’ve been fortunate here as a Southern California boxing reporter. I feel like I’ve watched you grew up in the ring. I’ve seen you fight at Belasco, I’ve seen you fight in Indio and all points in between. I’ve really had a good chance to see you literally grow up in the ring and I’ve always felt that you were one of the top fighters there at Golden Boy and in your division. In my opinion you are a top up and comer. An opportunity like this, when it presents itself, can really open the doors for you as far as championship aspirations and moving forward. Are you looking at it in that fashion?
AR: Oh, definitely. I know with a victory over Blair Cobbs it is going to open up a lot of doors. People are going to be viewing this card live and on DAZN. Many eyes are gonna be on me that night. That’s what I want essentially in the sport. I want exposure and I want to climb up the rankings and win.
P4P: You guys are similar in so many ways. Your records are similar, your amount of fights, you’re both southpaws. The one thing is not similar is personality. Blair is a little more flamboyant. And you’ve always been the type of guy that seems quiet and reserved and just lets his talking get done in the ring. Is that a fair assessment?
AR: Yeah, that’s a very fair assessment. You know, the way I was raised was obviously different than him. I was raised with a humble mother that told me to be respectful, to always carry a conversation with anyone and that’s just the way I’ve been raised. And yes, I let my talking get done in the ring. But I understand Blair’s point of view to be out there, to be selling the fight the way he is., We are simply two different people.
P4P: Right, and that’ where the intrigue for the fans is really going to bring not only people into the arena, but that night on DAZN. When you get two guys that are similar, yet different it creates a built in rivalry. You’re gonna have half the fans on one side and half the fans on the other, all cheering for their fighter. This is almost the main event itself, so to speak. I think you might agree.
AR: I definitely agree. I don’t take anything away from Vergil. He is a hell of a fighter and he’s earned his credit to be the main event. But yeah, definitely, this fight has a lot of magnitude in it. It’s a very big fight.
P4P: Let me ask you about you being from basically a fighting family. When flights like this come along, for either Ronny or you, what is the atmosphere around the family and your close peers? I know you guys get very serious and take this as a true business.
AR: Yeah, we’re very serious at what we do. But we joke around and we have fun with what we do. Because if you’re not enjoying what you do, then why do it? You should be relaxed at all times enjoying the whole process. Even when there’s ups and downs in this sport, just enjoy the whole ride because the more you enjoy it, the more you believe in yourself, the more confident you’re going to get and it’s just a smoother ride like that.
But definitely, Ronny has been through it all. From fighting family like you said, Ronny has been through it all. He’s been through the hard fights, he’s been through the losses. He’s been through fighting for a world championship and on the verge of fighting for another World Championship. So, he gives me tons of advice.
P4P: That’s a great answer, Thank you. Look, I know your time is valuable right now so I want to just cut it short and ask you just what we can expect from you next Saturday night in USC.
AR: You can expect the great night. People, tune in March 19. You guys are gonna find out who Alexis Rocha is.
P4P: I’m gonna make sure everybody knows about this fight, trust me. Like you said, no disrespect to Vergill because he’s his own guy. But when I heard about this fight, I wanted to make sure everybody tunes in and is in front of their TV for this. I wish you the best of luck.
AR: Yes, sir. I appreciate that so much. Thank you.
P4P: Alright, have a great day.
Tickets for the event are on sale now and are priced at $150, $75, $50 and $25 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.galencenter.org or www.goldenboypromotions.com.
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