Alexis Rocha Withdraws From Curiel Rematch After Hospitalization

Alexis Rocha has withdrawn from his scheduled welterweight rematch against Raul Curiel after experiencing complications during his weight cut, according to a report from Lance Pugmire.

The fight was set to headline Golden Boy Promotions’ January 16 card at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs. Rocha was hospitalized during the weight-cut process and was subsequently removed from the event. No timetable for his return has been announced.

The rematch followed their December 2024 meeting, which ended in a majority decision victory for Rocha after a high-volume twelve-round fight. One judge scored the bout even, while two scored it in Rocha’s favor. The result generated debate and led to a quick turnaround for a second fight.

With Rocha out, Golden Boy Promotions is evaluating replacement options to keep Raul Curiel on the card. Several names are under consideration, including Israel Mercado, though no opponent has been finalized.

Raul Curiel remains scheduled to compete pending confirmation of a replacement. The event is still expected to stream on DAZN.

The withdrawal again highlights the risk attached to late-stage weight cuts in the welterweight division. This card is now moving forward without its original main event.

Raul Curiel will now face Jordan Panthen in Friday night’s main event after Alexis Rocha withdrew earlier this week due to weight-cutting issues.

Panthen was elevated from a non-DAZN undercard bout to replace Rocha following the cancellation of the planned rematch between Rocha and Curiel. Rocha exited the fight after struggling through his weight cut ahead of Thursday morning’s weigh-in session.

The replacement bout will be contested at a contracted catchweight of 158 pounds. Panthen, who had been scheduled to face a different opponent, weighed 157 pounds during the morning weigh-in. Curiel was later permitted to rehydrate and returned to the scale in the afternoon, weighing 155.8 pounds.

Panthen enters the fight on short notice and will be stepping up in class. He faces a welterweight ranked inside the top seven by multiple sanctioning bodies. Panthen recently changed trainers and is now working with veteran coach Ronnie Shields.

Curiel had spent his training camp preparing for a rematch with Rocha following their December 2024 draw. The opponent change forces an adjustment late in the week, though Curiel remains on the card.

Curiel’s manager, Frank Espinoza Jr, said the decision came down to proceeding with the event or withdrawing altogether.

The original bout was seen as a step toward a future title opportunity for Curiel. That path is now delayed, though the fight will still move forward as scheduled.

The main event has changed. The card remains intact.