Promoter Eddie Hearn is positioning Diego Pacheco as a future opponent for Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. The potential bout depends on Canelo defeating Christian Mbilli for the WBC title in October and Pacheco continuing his undefeated run, creating a compelling Mexican-American matchup.
The path to a super-middleweight world title has become more complex since Canelo’s reign as undisputed champion was ended by Terence Crawford, whose subsequent retirement fragmented the belts. While Canelo prepares for his return to championship level against Mbilli, Hearn is mapping out a route for his own fighter, the undefeated Pacheco. A key part of that strategy was originally a major domestic clash with Jaime Munguia, but Munguia’s recent world title victory has altered negotiations. Hearn explained the situation regarding the Munguia fight, stating, “The one that we really wanted [for Pacheco] was Jaime Munguia. I spoke to Fernando Beltran many times about that fight, it is a huge fight for Los Angeles. He went on and done brilliant and won a world title, so now we would be challenging for the belt, which sometimes makes it a bit more difficult to work out a deal.”
Despite the Munguia bout becoming more complicated, Hearn remains confident that a significant opportunity is imminent for Pacheco, who faces Immanuwel Aleem this Saturday in California. The promoter sees multiple routes to a world title for the 25-year-old, with Canelo emerging as a prime target. “I don’t think that Diego is going to struggle to get a shot, whether that is against Hamzah [Sheeraz], whether that is against Munguia, whether that is against Canelo Alvarez,” Hearn said.
The logic for a potential Canelo-Pacheco fight is based on both sporting merit and marketability. If Canelo is successful against Mbilli, he will once again hold a major world title and require a formidable challenger. Pacheco, with a perfect record and strong regional appeal, would fit that role. Hearn outlined the simple promotional appeal of the matchup. “You look at Canelo, if he beats Mbilli, and Diego is coming through and looking good; he will be 26 or 27-0, from Los Angeles, Mexican-American – he is a good contender for a Canelo Alvarez fight.”
