Sunday Convo: A Look at Potential Opponents for Diego Pacecho

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What is next for Diego Pacheco?

Pacheco stopped Immanuwel Aleem in the 11th round of a super middleweight bout at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

It was Pacheco’s first bout of the year. In December, he won a unanimous decision over Kevin Sadjo but was dropped in the fight. The answer: hire trainer Buddy McGirt. In his first fight since the addition, Pacheco fought in the Los Angeles market, displaying his skills. Now with a hinted November return, possibly at the same iconic venue, who would Pacheco face next?

Photographed by Zachariah Delgado/Matchroom Boxing

Jacob Bank

Record: 18-3-1 (9 KOs)

Why: A formidable test

Bank stopped William Scull, but Canelo didn’t. That matters. It means Canelo is either regressing, or Bank is one of the top guys. Maybe both? Bank faces Pawel August, who scored an upset win earlier this year. If he were to win, he would enter the big-fight conversation.

Lester Martinez

Record: 20-0-1 (16 KOs)

Why: Martinez is another great super middleweight

Martinez is a big-puncher coming off a “Fight of the Year” bout with Christian Mbilli. They are at the same point in their careers. Both look like fighters who could be pillars of the division moving forward and are entering their prime. So it is simple. Make the fight. Plus, a storyline exists. Pacheco did what Martinez couldn’t: stop Aleem.

Osleys Iglesias

Record: 15-0 (14 KOs)

Why: Possibly facing the best fighter in the division

Iglesias is a pound-for-pound talent who cruised to a title. No one brings up his name, and his fights have been destructive, stopping world-class opponents while they look like tune-up bouts. This would be a phenomenal fight, but it is a lot of risk for Team Pacheco.

Hamzah Sheeraz

Record: 23-0-1 (19 KOs)

Why: They are linked together

Pacheco opted for a stay-busy bout rather than chasing Sheeraz’s title. That choice shows a lot, including skepticism and maturity. It creates a natural storyline between the two fighters and builds toward something intriguing in the future.

Jaime Munguia

Record: 46-2 (35 KOs)

Why: A good L.A. fight

Munguia won the WBA middleweight title in May over Armando Resendiz. Munguia emerged about nine years ago as a young Mexican fighter that Southern California fans were drawn to. He went from a beltholder to a prospect to now an underrated fighter. Munguia proved a lot with his last win; with people skeptical of both fighters, it makes for a compelling fight in November.