Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel aim to settle their score and deliver another war in a sequel on Friday following their brutal firefight that resulted in a majority draw in December 2024.

The top-ten welterweight contenders will headline a Golden Boy Promotions show on DAZN at the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California, as they look to separate themselves in a glamour division that’s certainly headed for some turnover throughout the year.

Rocha (25-2-1, 16 KOs) is The Ring's No. 7-rated contender at 147 pounds, and the 2016 Mexican Olympian Curiel (16-0-1, 14 KOs) is ranked right behind him at No. 8.

“I think I won the first fight,” said Rocha. “His side thinks he won the fight. That's why we are running it back. This time I am leaving no doubt. I was not happy with the outcome. I have a lot on the line. I still believe I can beat him and I am going to show it. He's not on my level. I feel like I am the better fighter, even though I didn't show it the first time. That bugs me. I love that people are writing me off saying that I am the underdog.”

Their highly competitive clash 13 months ago was ruled 114-114 by two of the judges, while a third had it 116-112 for Rocha.

Rocha landed 205 of 818 punches, while Curiel connected with 232 of 731 of his shots, according to CompuBox. Many of the rounds were razor-close and tough to score.

Rocha did not fight in 2025 due to injuries. Curiel, meanwhile, was victorious in his lone fight of the year, knocking out Victor Rodriguez inside four rounds in June.

“I think I fought the best version of Rocha,” said Curiel. “I want to fight the best in the division and I think he's one of the best welterweights. I respect Alexis as a person but we don't have any respect in the ring.

“It was a fun fight. We promised a war and delivered a war. It was a fight of the year contender, and it won't be an exception this time.”

Coming into the rematch, the biggest difference for Curiel is that he’s now being coached by reigning trainer of the year Robert Garcia after a long run with Freddie Roach.

“Of course I thought I won the fight the first time,” said Curiel. “I am very proud to be in this position again. I told Alexis this is going to be a rivalry like Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez. I think we can put in the work to be that.

“For me, yes, there has to be a knockout. I need to go for the knockout. I can't leave it to the judges. Look what happened in the first fight.”