Super middleweight Diego Pacheco declared prior to his fourth-round knockout that he is no longer a prospect, but rather a contender. It is no different than a few days after Christmas and Devin Haney said the same thing prior to facing Xolisani Ndongeni in ShoBox: The Next Generation main event. When Pacheco stated that it reminded me of Haney, who wanted to step-up to the next level, all be it, it was roughly two more years before he got his first major fight.
Pacheco stopped Jack Cullen, a tough veteran, who is well-regarded, but will more than likely never hold a world title, in four rounds over the weekend. Pacheco also took over headlining duties when Callum Smith fell out of the event, as Pacheco fought for the first time in the U.K., as well as fought for the U.K. for the first time.
“[Jack Cullen] was tough, the first few rounds he had a really good guard, and it was tough to be get my punches in, but I know eventually I would start them down start to open up the guard,” said Pacheco afterward holding two titles at the press conference posted on Matchroom Boxing’s official YouTube page. “I'm past the prospect phase now, I think I am a top contender, I think I can contend with anyone in the division, and yeah, I think the whole world saw that tonight…”
Yet, for Pacheco it is clear - he made an adult decision to move out of the hood of East L.A., but it appears he is looking to make more money in the future to move his family out as well. His journey to the top isn’t just one of a star athlete it is one of a young fighter trying to change the lives of all of his family members.
Though Pacheco might not love the label of Prospect of the Year, he is certainly sitting in the driver’s seat in March of 2023, as he is the most noteworthy young fighter emerging in the first quarter of the year. Though Pacheco has denied wanting to be labeled as a prospect, that tends to also be the trope of all great prospects - deny they’re a prospect, until they get praised for the greatness they held at their fingertips. Pacheco has a story that could motivate all as he is not fighting as much for glory, but for a better life and for moving his family out of chaos. Pacheco not unlike many other fighters like Elijah Garcia has become a revelation in the start of this year.
“I just think about why I started boxing in the first place, to give my family a better life,” said Pacheco. “I want to give my parents the life I feel they deserve, that is what really motivates me to get up and grind.”
