LAS VEGAS – At 24 and headed to another rugged test that can affirm his position as the WBO’s No. 1 contender to Canelo Alvarez, Diego Pacheco was asked if he feels he’s closing the gap on the undisputed super middleweight champion.
As he heads to his 35th birthday next month and a September date with four-division champion Terence Crawford, Mexico’s Alvarez, 63-2-2 (39 KOs), was panned for a lethargic showing May 3 while defeating outmatched Cuban William Scull by unanimous decision in Saudi Arabia.
Alvarez hasn’t stopped any of his past seven opponents, and his choice of undersized and lacking foes has fostered claims he’s on cruise control toward retirement.
“Everyone knows it was kind of a boring fight,” Pacheco said of Alvarez-Scull. “I feel Canelo’s a great fighter, but he’s in a different era of his career now. We saw it with Mayweather at the end of his career: They already did what they had to do.
“Now, they’re enjoying what they want to accomplish and they’ll do it until they don’t want to anymore. Great fighter. I’m excited to keep climbing the ranks, and maybe one day, I’ll get that shot.”
South Central L.A.’s Pacheco, 23-0 (18 KOs), has already posted a unanimous-decision triumph this year over Crawford stablemate Steven Nelson, and now he’s bound for a July 19 co-main event on DAZN versus Trevor McCumby, 28-1 (21 KOs), in Frisco, Texas.
Arizona’s McCumby most recently lost by TKO to former IBF champion Caleb Plant in September.
“He’s a great fighter. We saw that from his fight with [Caleb] Plant, where he showed a lot of power, a lot of heart,” Pacheco said. “That’s why I chose him. I want to bring exciting fights that fans want to see. Everyone’s been telling me they’re excited about the fight. I’m happy to hear that and motivated to put on a show July 19. I’m 24 years old, and will be 24-0 after July 19.”
Pacheco would like to fight at least once more this year, and he says the wealth of talent among super-middleweights assures he will have a quality foe to choose from as Alvarez is expected to bide his time until Cinco de Mayo 2026 should he defeat underdog Crawford.
“Honestly, who wouldn’t love a fight with Canelo. He’s the GOAT, an inspiration. A fight with him would change my life. That’s what I’m working toward,” Pacheco said. “If I don’t get that fight, there’s many other fighters – [Jaime] Munguia, Plant, [Edgar] Berlanga, [Jermall] Charlo. The time is now for me to make these fights. I’m happy, and that’s what I’m in the sport for.”
BoxingScene interviewed Pacheco on May 30, after he watched his heavyweight brother, Federico Pacheco Jnr 9-0 (6 KOs), defeat Calvin Barnett by unanimous decision on a Golden Boy Promotions card at Virgin Hotels.
“I’m very proud of my brother, he’s been boxing since 7. He has his team together, he’s grinding, and only had three amateur fights,” Diego Pacheco said. “I had close to 80. That makes a difference. He’s kind of learning on the job. I’m here to help him.”
As he spoke, much was changing. Plant wound up getting upset one night later by new WBA interim champion Armando Resendiz – Plant possesses a rematch clause – and Munguia is dealing with a positive test for testosterone following his May 3 victory in Saudi Arabia.
“That’s tough, man. I don’t respect testing positive for that stuff – who knows what they’ve got going on down there – but hopefully it was a mistake,” Pacheco said, acknowledging it’s the fourth positive PED test to emerge from the gym of Alvarez and Munguia’s trainer, Eddy Reynoso. “That’s a little suspicious, but I’m focused on me.”
That’s a promising place to focus. As Alvarez declines and Munguia confronts his controversy, Pacheco can reach the Mexican fan base of both by continuing to shine.
“Definitely. I’m a complete fighter. I have all the attributes. I can box. I’m super tall, so I can use my reach and bang, get down to the body. You guys have seen me knock guys with body shots, uppercuts, hooks, right hands. I’ve never been hurt in a fight or sparring session,” Pacheco said.
“I do what I have to do – go in there and get the win. I stay in shape year-round. I don’t party, don’t drink, don’t smoke. I’m focused. The people who love me … I’m excited about where my career’s going.”
He posted a win in Saudi Arabia at 18, later won in Liverpool, England, scored a fourth-round TKO over Manuel Gallegos (who posted a TKO over light-heavyweight Khalil Coe that Coe avenged last week) and defeated veteran Maciej Sulecki by sixth-round TKO in a Southern California main event last year.
Sulecki meets the WBC’s No. 1 super-middleweight contender, Christian Mbilli, June 27, in a bout that could lead to Pacheco-Mbilli later this year.
“For sure, that’s the fight I want. Mbilli is No. 1, I’m No. 3. I want to make all the big fights, the biggest fights possible. That’s what I’m up for,” Pacheco said. “He’s got to do well against Sulecki first. We’ve got to see that. I made it look like easy work, but those guys aren’t easy. I was never in trouble against Gallegos, either. That’s the level I’m at, and this fight against Trevor McCumby will show you guys the level I’m at.
“I’m preparing for a war, but my skills and intelligence are levels above McCumby’s, so I’ll do what I do. Stay focused, and I’ll be all right. If it’s got to be a war, I’m prepared to stand there and slug it out.”