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Alexis Rocha vs. Raul Curiel II: Preview, storylines
Photo by Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images

Some rematches happen because the first fight was forgettable. This one exists because the first meeting was anything but. When these two first collided, the result was a high-paced, back-and-forth battle that immediately landed in Fight of the Year conversations. Momentum swung, adjustments mattered, and neither fighter gave an inch, leaving fans debating the outcome long after the final bell. That kind of chaos doesn’t get ignored — it gets revisited.

Photo by Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images

The welterweight rematch between Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel headlines Golden Boy’s January return, offering clarity where the first meeting left interpretation. Regional titles are on the line, but the real prize is leverage in a division that rarely waits around for unfinished business.

Date and Start Time

  • Date: Friday, January 16, 2026
  • Undercard Start: Approximately 4:30 PM ET / 1:30 PM PT
  • Main Event (Estimated): Approximately 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT

Although the venue lists an early doors time, the televised portion of the card aligns with DAZN’s standard Friday-night schedule.

How to Watch

  • Streaming Platform:DAZN
  • Prelims: Golden Boy Promotions YouTube channel (select bouts)

The main card, including the opener, co-main event, and main event, will stream live on DAZN.

Main Event Breakdown: Rocha vs. Curiel II

Welterweight — 12 Rounds (NABO & NABF Titles)

  • Alexis “Lex” Rocha (25-2-1, 16 KOs)
  • Raul “Cugar” Curiel (16-0-1, 14 KOs)

The first fight established the rivalry. The rematch defines it. Rocha enters with pressure, experience, and a willingness to force exchanges. Curiel brings composure, power, and an unbeaten record still seeking validation at this level. This time, there’s little room for interpretation — the winner leaves with momentum and options.

Full Fight Card

DAZN Main Card

  • Alexis Rocha vs. Raul Curiel II — Welterweight (12)
  • Manuel “Gucci Manny” Flores vs. Jorge “El Niño Dorado” Chavez — Super Bantamweight (10)
  • Ruslan Abdullaev vs. Eduardo Abreu — Super Lightweight (8)

Golden Boy YouTube Prelims

  • Joel Iriarte vs. Jireh De Los Santos — Welterweight (8)
  • Cayden Griffiths vs. Lesther Espino — Welterweight (6)
  • Gael “El Terror” Cabrera vs. Ruben Casero — Super Bantamweight (8)
  • John “Scrappy” Ramirez vs. Byron Rojas — Bantamweight (10)
  • Jordan “The Patriot” Panthen vs. Jean Rivera-Pacheco — Super Welterweight (10)
  • Fabian Guzman vs. Jose Gabriel Rodriguez — Middleweight (8)
  • Ricardo Ruvalcaba vs. Jonathan “El Potro” Eniz — Welterweight (8)

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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