Diego Pacheco (26-0, 19 KOs) returns to the War Grounds in Carson, California to get one step closer to his aspirations of becoming a world champion. He’s delayed a world title fight, wanting to ensure he’s fully prepared for what is coming.
He turned down a title fight against Hamzah Sheeraz during a time he was changing trainers and did not want to commit to the fight under those conditions. He wanted to have more time and become acclimated to his new trainer, Buddy McGirt. In his first fight under Buddy in July of this year, a much-improved Diego stopped the very tough and gritty Immanuwel Aleem in the eleventh round. Pacheco controlled the range and utilized his jab well, connecting on 44.2 percent of his total punches (Compubox).
The Spit Bucket Podcast asked Pacheco about the recent changes Darius Fulghum (15-1-1, 13 KOs) has experienced, changing his training from Houston, Texas, and relocating to the Brickhouse Gym in North Hollywood under co-trainer Julian Chua. Diego said of Darius, “I’ll be honest with you I’ve never seen Darius before. I didn’t see not one fight, not one tape, you know so…I’m not worried about him. I’m worried about me and what I have to do and making sure I’m ready and I’m good money.”
This is surprising considering Fulghum is an opponent who can present many challenges within the ring. He gave Bektemir Melikuziev all he could handle, fighting him on the inside and giving him a bloody nose.
At Thursday’s Press Conference, Darius made it known that he believes team Pacheco made a mistake in choosing him as an opponent, as he is a dangerous opponent and believes he can surprise many and score the upset. Fulghum is a boxer who can box at range or on the inside. He has good size and power and does present stylistic challenges. Darius has his own world title aspirations and knows another loss will set him back a few steps. Although Diego himself may not have watched tape, his trainer Buddy would have done his homework and prepared him for what will be a tough match. If Pacheco can continue on the improvements from his previous fight, he can demonstrate improved skills, which will be boxing at range, utilizing the jab, and using a controlled attack that uses timing and precision to counter his opponents.
Fulghum struggled against David Stevens, demonstrating difficulties on the inside when given the right amount of pressure. Diego must exploit this weakness. He’s always performed well at the War Grounds and must shine bright tonight if he intends to gain that super championship title match he’s been seeking. Promoter Eddie Hearn would like to pin Pacheco against the WBA super middleweight champion Jaime Munguia in a Los Angeles super fight or against the WBC super middleweight titleholder Canelo Alvarez. Huge title fights are on the horizon for Diego, but he must first perform great against the very game Fulghum.
