By Jack Walsh
ALEXIS Rocha outclassed Santiago Dominguez over 10 rounds final night time of their welterweight matchup. Rocha claimed a unanimous resolution win by scores of 99-91 (twice) and 98-92, choosing up the vacant WBO-NABO championship.
Headlining on the Fantasy Springs On line casino in Indio, California, Rocha’s velocity and constant ring tenacity proved tough to face up to for Dominguez.
Within the first two rounds, each fighters got here out comparatively scorching, touchdown exhausting flurries, counters and hooks to the physique in a fast-paced battle.
Spherical three gave the impression to be when the brand new and improved southpaw Rocha showcased his revamped struggle type. Boxing on his again foot, flustering Dominguez with dodges and counters whereas additionally using his jab.
Twice within the spherical, Dominguez claimed low blows from what had been really simply slamming belt-line physique photographs. Rocha was constant in touchdown damaging physique photographs all through the struggle, which left Dominguez wincing at occasions.
Rocha dominates Dominguez (Golden Boy)
Shifting ahead, Rocha managed the tempo and actually seemed like a unique fighter than we’ve beforehand seen. His fixed combos and completely timed counters continued to land within the center and late rounds. Rocha, 27, wasn’t forcing photographs or preventing on the ropes as a lot as he often does.
After attacking, Rocha would pivot out of hassle again, towards the center of the ring, earlier than Dominguez may unleash his urgent energy — preventing at an angle.
Dominguez was not helpless within the ring, although, tagging Rocha a handful of occasions all through everything of the 10-round bout.
It was evident that Rocha deliberate to struggle technically and field somewhat than simply commerce photographs, which he confirmed with DAZN within the post-fight interview.
He additionally acknowledged that he nonetheless believes he’s on the verge of a possible world title struggle. That is Rocha’s second win since a dangerous sixth-round loss to Giovani Santillan. In March, Alexis compelled Fredrick Lawson to retire previous to the eighth spherical.
Rocha (ranked #9 by the WBO coming in) improved to 25-2 (16 KOs), whereas Dominguez (#11) tallied his first skilled defeat, falling to 27-1 (20 KOs).
