WBO number three welterweight contender Alexis ‘Lex’ Rocha 21-1 (13) insists he is not looking past late replacement George ‘Red Tiger’ Ashie 33-5-1 (25) ahead of their clash at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California on Saturday night.
The 25-year-old southpaw is looking to claim his sixth scalp since losing his unbeaten record to fellow contender Rashidi Ellis 24-1 (15) by competitive decision in October 2020.
“Sometimes losses hurt fighters but they can also motivate. They help you mentally. What can I say?” Rocha said.
“Ghanians are tough but I’m Mexican, I’m just as tough.
“Everyone is always asking what I want after this fight but I can’t take my eyes off of him. He has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Those are very dangerous fighters.
“My mind doesn’t go past the 28th. My mind is focused on him. Whoever they put in front of me I have to put on a spectacular show. Keep knocking on that door and the big names will follow.”
The 38-year-old Ashie is yet to win on the road, but his is coming off a five fight win streak culminating with an eighth-round stoppage of previously unbeaten Robert Quaye at junior welterweight in March last year. All of those victories have come within the distance.
Ashie, who stepped in to face Rocha after Anthony Young withdrew from the bout, has been talking a good fight.
“This is going to be Oscar De La Hoya vs Ike Quartey II and this time it’s going to Ghana not Mexico,” Ashie said.
“It’s going to be a war. I want to thank all the fans in Ghana. I have this opportunity and I’m not going to let it slide out of my hands. These opportunities are life-changing and I’m here to stay.”
