Blazen Rocili TKO2 Orlando Salgado ...On Sunday, Aurora, Colorado's Stampede Center saw middleweight Blazen Rocili, known as the “Filipino Giant”, stop Orlando Salgado (3-8) in the second round. Salgado came out aggressively, pressing the action and setting the tone with sharp combinations. While he had moments of success, Rocili utilized his superior reach and footwork to avoid sustained damage. Midway through the second round, Rocili began to walk down Salgado, unleashing flurries to the body that visibly slowed the veteran. Salgado attempted to circle away, but Rocili, cutting off the ring with perfection, mixed in clean, thudding shots to the head. The sequence left Salgado pinned against the ropes and utterly defenseless, forcing his corner to throw in the towel late in the Second Round, saving their fighter from further punishment.
“He was tough early, but once I found my rhythm, I knew I had him,” Rocili said after the fight. “This is just the beginning. I’m here to make a statement in the middleweight division.” At 6’3”, Rocili possesses a rare frame for a middleweight, coupled with explosive power and refined fundamentals.
His manager, Andrew Bocanegra, president of Boxing VIP, has been vocal about Rocili’s potential and global appeal. “Blazen is the next Filipino superstar,” said Bocanegra. “He has the presence, the power, and the work ethic to carry the flag of Philippine boxing into the next generation. We plan to have him back in the ring before year’s end. A title opportunity is coming — and we’ll be ready.”
Trainer Rich Barrientes, a veteran coach with decades in the sport, was equally confident in his fighter’s future. “You’re looking at a future world champion,” Barrientes stated. “Blazen can’t be stopped in this division. He’s tall, strong, and smart — and he listens. That’s a dangerous combination. We’ve only scratched the surface of what he’s capable of.”
Now sitting at 9-0, with 7 knockouts, Rocili and his team are already in discussions for a potential return to the ring before the end of 2025.
