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Add FightsATW on GoogleThe super middleweight division is becoming very interesting. With Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s days numbered, younger fighters have a chance to step up and snatch the crown from the king when the time is right. One of those fighters could be 25-year-old Diego Pacheco, but he must first get past Darius Fulghum Saturday night at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, live on DAZN.
A week before his fight against Fulghum, Pacheco (26-0, 19 KOs) held a media workout in Downey, California, in the Los Angeles area where he is from. The gym was packed with family, friends, and media who came to see Pacheco and his brother Federico. Pacheco and his management team, Sheer Sports, hosted the event, which featured free tacos cooked on site and a merchandise table selling the latest Pacheco gear.
Although the packed gym, live band, and food were a plus, what impressed me most was Pacheco’s effort to shake every single person’s hand who attended, while also inviting the kids in attendance into the ring to take pictures and sign autographs. If you are trying to make an impression in your community, that’s how you do it, and the atmosphere’s energy was high.
After the handshakes and pictures, Pacheco and his brother worked out, signed more autographs, and, toward the end, set aside time for the media who showed up. The end result was people and their kids with smiles on their faces, aiming to attend Saturday’s fight in Carson.
Diego Pacheco’s Transition From Jose Benavidez Sr. to James ‘Buddy’ McGirt
Pacheco has been with Matchroom Boxing since the beginning of his pro career, and he’s been moved up slowly through the ranks. There hasn’t been any real need to rush the process while making waves under the tutelage of Jose Benavidez Sr. The pair worked well, and Pacheco benefited from many sparring rounds with unified cruiserweight champion David Benavidez.
But in a shocking turn of events earlier in the year, Pacheco and Benavidez Sr. parted ways, and Pacheco linked up with James ‘Buddy’ McGirt ahead of his July fight with Immanuwel Aleem. In his first fight under McGirt, Pacheco earned an 11th-round TKO over Aleem, and the Pacheco/McGirt partnership got off to a good start. The transition hasn’t been too bad for Pacheco, who points to McGirt’s experience as the difference.
“I feel like linking up with Buddy McGirt and his experience; he’s been in the boxing game almost 50 years, so he’s seen it all,” Pacheco told FightsATW. “As a fighter trying to get to the top, I’m over here sometimes doing too much, and with his experience, he keeps me grounded. It all comes down to experience, and that’s what he brings to the table. Making adjustments with him has me feeling really good.”
To Fight For A Title or Not–That’s The Question
Over the summer, the sanctioning organizations began positioning Pacheco at the top of the rankings, and there were discussions about him fighting for the title sooner rather than later. After changing trainers, Pacheco decided to put off any big fights until he felt more comfortable with McGirt in his corner.
The risk is that he faces Fulghum on Saturday night, which isn’t an automatic victory and could jeopardize his title aspirations. Pacheco is well aware of the risk, but he is sticking to his plan and wants to look impressive against Fulghum so he can head into 2027 with full steam.
“Honestly, I’ve been praying on that,” he said. “In 2027, I’ll be 26 years old, and I think it’s the perfect time. Big shout-out to Matchroom and DAZN for the way they’ve taken my career from zero to being 26-0 and for headlining back-to-back here in my hometown of L.A. Honestly, I’m happy where I’m at right now and just trying to get to that world title fight.”
It’s a Small World
While Pacheco has his sights on a world title, headlining back-to-back shows at an iconic venue like the Dignity Health Sports Park isn’t too bad. The funny thing is that seven years ago, Pacheco was fighting in a four-round bout at the Dignity Health Sports Park, and the main event was none other than current WBA super middleweight champion Jaime Munguia. It’s funny how that works sometimes, as the main event slot he once dreamt of when fighting on Munguia’s card may actually come true against that same fighter.
“It’s crazy how time flies,” Pacheco said enthusiastically. “That was seven years ago, and I was fighting a four-rounder. I remember it was a great experience. I knew one day it would be my turn if I stayed patient. I was humble, and I knew my time would come, and I’m here now. I’m here to take full advantage of it and put the city on the map.”
Diego Pacheco vs Darius Fulghum
While this will be a “home game,” so to speak, for Pacheco, he isn’t letting any unnecessary pressure seep in, as he is focused on the task at hand. Regardless of how Fulghum decides to fight on Saturday night, Pacheco says he’s ready for any style.
“The thing about me, I’m ready to box,” he said. “I can box all day and night. If I have to go on the inside and fight, I can do that too. I love going to the body, throwing uppercuts and mixing it up. I feel like, at this level, it’s about who’s smarter in there. I feel like I’m a smart fighter. Darius knows this is a make-or-break fight for him. He’s also trying to get into the world title mix, so this is a perfect opportunity for him. I have to be 100% ready, make no mistakes, and take care of business.”
While Pacheco’s main focus is to win the fight, he does want to leave a lasting impression on the fans who spent money to see him fight. “I just want a great fight. I want Darius to give it his all because I’m for sure going to give it my all. I want the fans to leave with a memorable night of two fighters who left it all in the ring and L.A. on top.”
Pacheco vs Fulghum will stream live on DAZN Saturday night.
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