Boxing
Unbeaten American ready for the biggest fights with legendary trainer in his corner
Joshua vs. Prenga: Only on DAZN PPV - July 25
Diego Pacheco faces Immanuwel Aleem this weekend knowing that victory can take him one step closer towards a world title shot.
A professional now for eight years, Pacheco has long been seen as a future champion and if he can get past Aleem in California, he will be well-positioned to take advantage of a super-middleweight division currently fragmented following Terence Carwford’s retirement.
Promoted by Eddie Hearn for almost the entirety of his career, Pacheco has been someone who has seemingly been ready for the biggest fights for a couple of years, but he has had to remain patient for his shot.
As it stands, 168lbs is red hot and several fighters are making claims for the top spot including Camelo Alvarez who is looking to become ruler again when he faces Cjristian Mbilli later this year.
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Lester Martinez, Jaime Munguia, and Osleys Iglesias are all in the mix when it comes to taking the biggest prizes at Pacheco's weight class, but the handsome Californian is well aware that he is in a solid position to strike when the time arrives.
“I’m only 25 but I want to share the ring with all those top guys,” said Pacheco when speaking to DAZN as part of their Spotlight series.
“Munguia, Iglesias, Mbilli, all the top guys in the division and I’m at an age now where I will be able to face all of them.
“I want to be a champion sooner than later, but I got to put trust in my team. I trust Matchroom. For now, we’re putting that work in and doing everything we can to get there.”
With the grandest fights rapidly approaching, Pacheco has made the decision to amend his training team with Buddy McGirt coming in as his main trainer.
McGirt’s reputation in the sport is sky high after taking so many fighters to world titles, and the former fighter, once a world champion himself, is happy with what he’s seen from his newest charge so far.
“He’s a young man who’s willing to learn,” said McGirt, the trainer of legendary names such as Arturo Gatti and Antonio Tarver.
“A lot of fighter, you say something to them, and they’ve always got an answer. If you know then you don’t need me. If I show him something then he always tries to do it."
Joshua vs. Prenga - exclusively on DAZN PPV
Watch Anthony Joshua's hugely anticipated return to the ring versus Kristian Prenga on Saturday, July 25 only on DAZN PPV. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Itauma vs. Hrgovic and Canelo vs. Mbilli PPVs, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
