Promoter Eddie Hearn believes Diego Pacheco still needs a career-defining victory despite his 11th-round knockout of Immanuwel Aleem on Saturday. Hearn stated the 25-year-old contender has not yet secured the high-profile opponent required to become a major attraction.
Pacheco extended his unbeaten record in Carson, California, in his first fight under new trainer Buddy McGirt. The performance was a measured one, breaking down a durable opponent before the late stoppage. But for Hearn, the focus immediately shifted to what comes next for the super middleweight. Speaking after the fight, the promoter was clear about the missing piece in Pacheco’s career. “He hasn’t had the breakout night,” Hearn said.
The promoter acknowledged the quality of Pacheco’s development but stressed the need for a more significant challenge. “He’s had some brilliant opponents and he’s had some brilliant nurturing in the right direction, but he hasn’t had the breakout night. I feel like Munguia is that breakout fight for Diego Pacheco.”
Hearn has identified WBA super middleweight champion Jaime Munguia as the preferred target for a potential November bout. The challenge, however, lies in securing the fight. Making a match with a reigning champion like Munguia depends on the other party’s agreement, and if that fight does not happen, the list of suitable alternatives is short. Many of the division’s other established names are past their peak, while other contenders do not possess the profile Hearn seeks for Pacheco. The next step for the rising fighter now seems to depend as much on his promoter’s negotiations as his own performance in the ring.
