Alexis Rocha Plays WBO Mandatory Card to Claim the Spence vs Crawford Winner
WBO number one welterweight contender Alexis “Lex” Rocha (23-1, 14KO) will be waiting to challenge the winner of the undisputed mega-fight between champions Errol Spence Jr (28-0, 22KO) and Terence Crawford (38-0, 29KO).
In January, Golden Boy Promotions revealed they were talking to Crawford in hopes of helping to make the Spence fight. Moreover, fans learned a possible match-up with Rocha was one of the reasons they were looking to acquire Bud’s services.
It looked as if Rocha vs Crawford was going to happen when the WBO ordered them to begin negotiations. Rocha’s plans got put on hold after Spence and Crawford publicly announced they were fighting for the undisputed crown.
ALEXIS ROCHA WANTS THE WINNER BETWEEN CRAWFORD VS SPENCE
The WBO’s number-one contender has not lost focus and continues to pursue a title shot. After dismantling Anthony Young, Lex called for a fight with the winner of the undisputed showdown in the post-fight interview.
“Look, I’m the WBO mandatory. I want the winner next, and that’s it.”
Now, he may not get the winner until 2024, as there is a rematch clause that could see Spence Jr-Crawford fight twice in 2023.
Rocha has been campaigning to fight Crawford since grabbing the number-one spot in the WBO rankings. The Californian is on a seven-fight win streak since losing to former stablemate Rashidi Ellis in 2021. With each performance, he gained valuable experience and continues to improve his overall boxing ability.
It will be interesting to see if Team Rocha decides to take on another fight and risk his mandatory position, or sit out the rest of the year and waiting.
