Alexis Rocha and Giovani Santillan are colliding at the Kia Forum in Inglewood in October, in what could feasibly be that month's best bout.
The two welterweights will fight a high-stakes contest as the winner could be within jabbing distance of a world title shot.
It will be the toughest test of both Rocha and Santillan's careers, and they both talked up a war this week as Golden Boy Promotions began marketing the bout.
"I feel that I've grown so much over time and now's my moment, and I want to keep just banging on the door for a world title," Rocha said at a media event Wednesday.
"I know that Giovani is gonna be a good opponent … for me this is a world title shot, this is a world title fight."
Santillan added: "This is going to be an exciting fight, we're both Mexican fighters. You know, we have that Mexican blood inside of us, you know, and we're gonna come with that fire for sure."
Rocha is the more local fighter as he's from Santa Ana, a mere 40-mile drive to the venue on fight night.
Santillan, meanwhile, is venturing in from San Diego.
"This isn't the first time that I go into enemy territory," said Santillan. "I think that I will gain the LA fan base after this fight."
Golden Boy chairman and CEO de la Hoya added: "As Golden Boy, we know our position, we know exactly what we have to do in order to position that fighter to get them to that world title.
"Alexis Rocha is knocking on the door. Giovani has an amazing opportunity. So this is what boxing is all about."
He continued: "I think that Alexis Rocha has proven that he belongs in this spot, that he has what it takes to become a world champion.
"He has a very difficult tough opponent in front of him. I strongly feel that Giovani with his undefeated record is coming with everything, guns blazing!"
