Boxing Match Preview: Alexis Rocha (25-2-1, 16 KOs) vs. Raul Curiel (16-0-1, 14 KOs)
The upcoming boxing event spotlights a welterweight rematch between Alexis “Lex” Rocha (25-2-1, 16 KOs) and Raul “El Cugar” Curiel (16-0-1, 14 KOs) as the main event of Golden Boy Promotions’ “Rocha vs. Curiel II: Run it Back” card. This bout follows their intense majority draw from December 2024, which many viewed as a Fight of the Year contender due to its back-and-forth action. The card emphasizes unfinished business, with Rocha seeking to reclaim momentum after a layoff and Curiel aiming to prove his elite status. Below is a detailed breakdown tailored for fight enthusiasts and bettors.
Venue Location
The event is set at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California, USA.
This modern 11,000-seat venue in the Greater Palm Springs area has become a hub for Golden Boy events, offering excellent sightlines and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s particularly advantageous for Rocha, a Southern California native from Santa Ana, who can expect strong local support in the desert region.
Ringwalks are scheduled to being 5:00 PM PT (8:00 PM ET / 1:00 AM GMT on January 17).
Injury Report
No active injuries are reported for either fighter as of January 13, 2026.
Rocha dealt with a biceps injury following their December 2024 draw, which sidelined him for much of 2025 and required recovery time until mid-year.
He has since returned to full training without setbacks, appearing sharp in recent promotional footage. Curiel has no documented injuries from recent bouts or camps, maintaining consistent activity with a win in June 2025.
Both fighters have confirmed peak condition in interviews, with no last-minute concerns from Golden Boy or medical reports.
Fighter Matchups
This 12-round welterweight (147 lbs) main event headlines a 10-fight card focused on rematches and rising talents. Rocha, 28, brings volume punching and body work, while Curiel, 29, relies on explosive counters and a high KO rate (87.5%).Recent Form
Alexis Rocha: Solid but inconsistent lately, with a 2-1-1 record in his last four outings. His most recent fight was the December 14, 2024, majority draw against Curiel, where he started strong but faded under pressure.
Prior to that, he secured a thrilling decision win over Santiago Dominguez in July 2024 to reclaim the NABO welterweight title. Rocha’s 2023 loss to Giovani Santillan exposed vulnerabilities to sustained aggression, but he’s shown resilience, going 12 rounds multiple times. Entering after a year-plus layoff due to injury, he’s focused on improved conditioning in camp.
Raul Curiel: Undefeated with a draw, boasting a 3-0-1 streak in his last four. He last fought on June 28, 2025, stopping Victor Ezequiel Rodriguez in a WBA eliminator, showcasing his knockout power.
The December 2024 draw with Rocha was his U.S. breakthrough, where he rallied late after a slow start. Curiel’s form highlights durability and finishing ability (13 of 16 wins by KO before the draw), but he can be outworked early. He’s more active recently, giving him a potential edge in sharpness.
Both enter with over a year since their first clash, but Curiel’s interim fight could provide momentum.
Fight History
The duo first met on December 14, 2024, at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, in a 12-round welterweight bout that ended in a majority draw (114-114, 114-114, 116-112 for Curiel).
Rocha dominated the early rounds with effective body shots and pressure, building a lead through Round 4. Curiel turned the tide in the middle frames with sharp counters and power, hurting Rocha multiple times and closing strong. The fight was a war, with over 1,000 punches thrown combined, earning praise as a potential classic. Rocha felt robbed, citing his aggression, while Curiel believed his late surge warranted the edge. This rematch stems from fan demand and Golden Boy’s push for resolution.
FIGHT ODDS
Alexis Rocha – 120
Raul Curiel + 100
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, January 15, 2025
