Undefeated middleweight prospect Blazen Rocili moved to 9-0 (7 KOs) after a second-round stoppage over Orlando Salgado in Stampede, Aurora.
Rocili, known as the “Filipino Giant” but fighting out of Hawaii was having his first fight of the year and the corner wound up pulling Salgado out.
Salgado, 3-8 (2 KOs) and fighting out of Colorado, started aggressively and while he had his moments the 6ft 3ins Rocili used his height and reach to stay out of trouble.
During the second, however, Rocili began to assume control and his opponent started to slow and, having cornered Salgado, Rocili attacked with his man on the ropes and a defenceless Salgado was saved when the corner threw the towel in near the end of the session.
“He was tough early, but once I found my rhythm, I knew I had him,” Rocili, who is trained by Rich Barrientes, said. “This is just the beginning. I’m here to make a statement in the middleweight division.”
Rocili’s manager, Andrew Bocanegra, president of Boxing VIP, added: “Blazen is the next Filipino superstar. He has the presence, the power, and the work ethic to carry the flag of Philippine boxing into the next generation. We plan to have him back in the ring before year’s end. A title opportunity is coming — and we’ll be ready.”
“You’re looking at a future world champion,” Barrientes said. “Blazen can’t be stopped in this division. He’s tall, strong, and smart — and he listens. That’s a dangerous combination. We’ve only scratched the surface of what he’s capable of.”
The plan is one more outing in 2025 and push for a contender spot in 2026.