Friday nights usually mean winding down, but if you're a fight fan, tonight is about high-stakes tension. Specifically, the kind of tension that comes from two guys who already tried to knock each other’s heads off and ended up with a draw. If you are looking for boxing on tv tonight, the main course is served in the desert.
Palm Desert, California, to be exact.
We’re talking about the Alexis Rocha vs. Raul Curiel rematch. It’s been thirteen months since these two welterweights left the ring in a stalemate, and honestly, the boxing world has been itching for the tiebreaker. While the casual fans might be waiting for the massive Lopez vs. Stevenson card later this month, tonight’s scrap at the Acrisure Arena is where the real "blood and guts" purists are headed.
Where to Watch the Fights and Start Times
Let's get the logistics out of the way because nothing is worse than missing the opening bell because you’re scrolling through apps.
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The entire Golden Boy card is streaming live on DAZN.
Coverage kicks off at 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT). If you’re just here for the main event, the ringwalks for Rocha and Curiel are expected around 11:00 PM ET. Of course, this is boxing, so if the undercard is a string of first-round KOs, that clock moves up. If they’re all twelve-round marathons, grab an extra coffee.
For the international crowd:
- UK/Ireland: 1:00 AM GMT (Saturday morning)
- Australia: 12:00 PM AEDT (Saturday) — though you guys have your own massive card with Nikita Tszyu taking on Michael Zerafa in Brisbane around the same time.
Why the Rocha vs. Curiel Rematch Actually Matters
Rematches happen all the time, but this one feels different. Alexis Rocha was on a tear before that first Curiel fight. He was the guy everyone thought would eventually corner one of the big champions. Then Curiel, a 2016 Olympian from Mexico, stepped in and basically said, "Not so fast."
Curiel has been way more active lately. He just came off a brutal knockout of Victor Ezequiel Rodriguez back in June. Rocha, on the other hand, has been stewing. He hasn’t fought since that draw. In boxing, that kind of layoff can go one of two ways: either you’re rested and focused, or you’ve got a mountain of "ring rust" to shake off in the first four rounds.
Curiel (14-0-1, 12 KOs) has that classic Mexican style—heavy hands and a chin made of granite. Rocha (23-2-1, 15 KOs) is the more technical southpaw, but he got dragged into a dogfight last time. If he tries to trade power with Curiel again tonight, we might not see the final bell.
The Undercard: Prospects and Hidden Gems
Usually, the "filler" on these Friday night cards is exactly that—filler. But there are a couple of names tonight that scouts are watching closely.
Manuel Flores vs. Jorge Chavez is the co-feature. It’s a junior featherweight clash that honestly could be a main event on a smaller show. Flores is a knockout artist who’s trying to claw his way into the top 10 rankings. Chavez is one of those guys who doesn't know how to take a step backward. It's going to be chaotic.
We’ve also got:
- Joel Iriarte vs. Jireh De Los Santos: Welterweights looking to move up the ladder.
- Ruslan Abdulaev vs. Eduardo Abreu: Super lightweights with a lot to prove.
- Cayden Griffiths vs. Lesther Espino: A developmental scrap that might surprise you.
What’s Happening Across the Pond and Down Under?
If you’re an early riser or a night owl, the boxing on tv tonight isn't just limited to California. Over at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Australia, Nikita Tszyu is facing Michael Zerafa.
This is a massive deal in Australia. Nikita is carrying the legendary Tszyu name, and Zerafa is the veteran "bad boy" of Aussie boxing who loves to play the spoiler. That fight is being carried on Kayo Sports and Main Event locally, but you can find highlights on ESPN+ in the States shortly after.
There's also a smaller DAZN show coming out of Flensburg, Germany, featuring Freddy Kiwitt, but let's be real—the eyes of the hardcore fans are on Palm Desert and Brisbane.
How to Prepare for the Main Event
If you're betting or just arguing with friends, keep an eye on the early rounds. Curiel likes to start fast. He wants to bully Rocha. If Rocha can establish his jab and keep the fight in the center of the ring, he wins a decision. If it turns into a phone-booth fight in the corners, Curiel probably finds a way to stop him late.
The atmosphere at Acrisure Arena is usually pretty electric for these Golden Boy shows. Expect a pro-Curiel crowd, which always adds a bit of pressure on the judges if the rounds are close.
Your Boxing Friday Checklist
- Check your DAZN subscription: Make sure you aren't logged out five minutes before the main event.
- Timing: Aim to be in front of the screen by 10:30 PM ET to catch the end of the co-main; it sets the mood.
- The "Other" Fights: If you have a VPN or access to international feeds, the Tszyu-Zerafa fight is a must-watch for the pure drama of the "Tszyu" legacy.
- Social Media: Avoid Twitter (X) if you’re watching the Australian card on delay, because spoilers will be everywhere.
Boxing in 2026 has already started with a bang after that Dalton Smith upset over Subriel Matias last week. Tonight isn't about world titles, but it is about survival. For Rocha or Curiel, a loss tonight basically ends their hopes of a major title shot this year. The stakes couldn't be higher for a Friday night in January.
Make sure your streaming device is updated. Most modern Smart TVs, Roku, and Fire Sticks handle the DAZN app well, but a hardwired ethernet connection is always better than spotty Wi-Fi when a knockout is looming. Get the snacks ready; it's going to be a long, violent night.
To get the most out of tonight's action, verify your local start times one last time on the DAZN schedule page to account for any last-minute undercard shifts.