Middleweight Blazen Rocili will make his return Sept. 21 at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California.

Rocili (6-0, 5 KOs), a 22-year-old Filipino fighter from Waipahu, Hawaii, is a 6-foot-3 southpaw with rare height, length and power for the 160-pound division.

Now training in Las Vegas under coach Richard Barrientes, Rocili will end a 17-month layoff in his next outing. After most recently stopping Zamir Young in April 2023, Rocili is eager to get back inside the ropes and resume his path attempting to follow in the steps of his favorite fighter, Manny Pacquiao.

“I’ve been itching to get back in the ring,” Rocili said. “After a long layoff, I feel stronger, more focused and ready to show everyone the improvements I’ve made. I’m determined to carry the torch for Filipino boxing. Following in the footsteps of legends like Manny Pacquiao is a dream, and I believe I have what it takes to be the next big star. This fight will be worth the wait.”

Having a presence in California is something that Rocili has envisioned since turning professional in 2021. His goal is to build a fanbase with the Filipino community in Los Angeles, and around the world.

“Fighting in California, especially for the first time, is an honor,” Rocili said. “I want to personally invite all my Filipino brothers and sisters to come out and support. Having the Filipino community behind me means everything. I’m excited to perform in front of a new crowd and I plan to make them proud. A win here will push me closer to where I need to be. It’s just the beginning of a long journey, and every victory brings me one step closer to my ultimate goal.”

Andrew Bocanegra, Rocili’s manager and president of Boxing VIP, believes Rocili has the potential to follow in the footsteps of Filipino boxing greats.

“Blazen Rocili is a southpaw and has all the tools to become the next Manny Pacquiao,” Bocanegra said. “His immense size, his power and his work ethic are why I signed him. He brings an exciting style to the ring and has great character. The Filipino community here in the USA and those back home in the Philippines should be keeping a close eye on Blazen. He is something special.” 

The event will be broadcast live across multiple networks, including Fubo Sports, Fox Deportes, Stadium and Gray TV, and will be tape delayed on Estrella TV.