By Jack Walsh
ALEXIS Rocha outclassed Santiago Dominguez over 10 rounds last night in their welterweight matchup. Rocha claimed a unanimous decision win by scores of 99-91 (twice) and 98-92, picking up the vacant WBO-NABO championship.
Headlining at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California, Rocha’s speed and consistent ring tenacity proved difficult to withstand for Dominguez.
In the first two rounds, both fighters came out relatively hot, landing hard flurries, counters and hooks to the body in a fast-paced battle.
Round three seemed to be when the new and improved southpaw Rocha showcased his revamped fight style. Boxing on his back foot, flustering Dominguez with dodges and counters while also utilizing his jab.
Twice in the round, Dominguez claimed low blows from what were actually just slamming belt-line body shots. Rocha was consistent in landing damaging body shots throughout the fight, which left Dominguez wincing at times.
Moving forward, Rocha controlled the pace and truly looked like a different fighter than we’ve previously seen. His constant combos and perfectly timed counters continued to land in the middle and late rounds. Rocha, 27, wasn’t forcing shots or fighting on the ropes as much as he usually does.
After attacking, Rocha would pivot out of trouble back, toward the middle of the ring, before Dominguez could unleash his pressing power — fighting at an angle.
Dominguez was not helpless in the ring, though, tagging Rocha a handful of times throughout the entirety of the 10-round bout.
It was evident that Rocha planned to fight technically and box rather than just trade shots, which he confirmed with DAZN in the post-fight interview.
He also stated that he still believes he is on the verge of a potential world title fight. This is Rocha’s second win since a damaging sixth-round loss to Giovani Santillan. In March, Alexis forced Fredrick Lawson to retire prior to the 8th round.
Rocha (ranked #9 by the WBO coming in) improved to 25-2 (16 KOs), while Dominguez (#11) tallied his first professional defeat, falling to 27-1 (20 KOs).
