PALM SPRINGS, California — Welterweight contender Alexis Rocha experienced weight-cutting issues and has been pulled off Friday’s main event rematch versus Raul Curiel, two sources connected to the event told BoxingScene Thursday.
Three possible replacement foes are in consideration to keep the highly-ranked contender and NABF champion on the card, officials told BoxingScene, including Israel Mercado, 13-1-2 (7 KOs), of Pomona, California.
Rocha, 25-2-1 (16 KOs), hasn’t fought since his December 2024 draw with Curiel at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California.
Curiel was seen bringing his personal scale to the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy Thursday morning to assure he was fine on weight, expressing satisfaction with the number he saw.
He was anticipating his second bout with fellow Golden Boy Promotions stablemate Rocha, indicating he was seeking a definitive knockout after out-landing Rocha in total punches during the first bout.
DAZN will stream the Curiel fight.
BoxingScene will have more information as it develops.
