LOS ANGELES, CA (January 26, 2023): As the countdown continues for the inaugural boxing event at YouTube Theater in Inglewood this Saturday, January 28, Santa Ana’s Alexis “Lex” Rocha (21-1, 13 KOs) hosted a press conference today in Los Angeles ahead of his NABO title defense against George “Red Tiger” Ashie (33-5-1, 25 KOs) of Accra, Ghana. The 12-round main event is presented in association with Star Boxing. Doors to the venue will open at 3:00 p.m. PST, and the worldwide broadcast on DAZN begins at 5:00 p.m. PST/ 8:00 p.m. EST.
Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya, Partner of Golden Boy and Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins, and several of the Rocha vs. Ashie undercard fighters also participated.
This is what the participants had to say:
ALEXIS ROCHA, CURRENT NABO WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION:
“Mentally as a fighter – RIP to Kobe Bryant who passed away three years ago – you have to have that ‘Mamba Mentality.’ You have to be ready for anybody they put in front of you. If it’s you or George Ashie I have to prepare for it. I have to focus on what I can do.»
«Sometimes losses hurt fighters but they can also motivate. They help you mentally. What can I say? 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.”