Diego Pacheco Set for Title Eliminator After Berlanga Disappointment, Targets Canelo Alvarez Showdown
Diego Pacheco, a 23-year-old rising star in the boxing world, recently expressed disappointment over missing out on a fight with Edgar Berlanga. However, it appears that a new opportunity has emerged as Pacheco has reportedly agreed to a title eliminator bout against Steven Nelson. This fight, which could have major implications for the super middleweight division, is likely to determine who will challenge Canelo Alvarez for the WBO title.
Pacheco, who is currently the WBO’s top contender, was candid during a recent appearance on the Flash Knockdown podcast. The young boxer from Renton, Washington, spoke openly about his frustration over Berlanga securing a match with Canelo before they could face off. According to Pacheco, their fight should have been the one to determine who deserves the title shot. “Berlanga is already, like, 27 years old… so it’s OK for him to get that fight. I guess the time is now for him. He’s in his prime. I hope he takes full advantage of it. I hope he makes the best of it. And yeah, I want the winner,” Pacheco remarked, hinting at his desire for a future clash with the Mexican boxing icon.
Despite his disappointment, Pacheco remains focused on the challenges ahead. He is set to fight Poland’s Maciej Sulecki on August 31st at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. Pacheco’s WBC USA super middleweight title and WBO international super middleweight titles will be on the line, and the young fighter is confident in his ability to secure a victory. “Run it,” he responded enthusiastically after Steven Nelson suggested they face off in a title eliminator after Pacheco’s bout with Sulecki.
He said, “Berlanga is already, like, [27] years old… so it’s OK for him to get that fight. I guess the time is now for him. He’s in his prime. I hope he takes full advantage of it. I hope he makes the best of it. And yeah, I want the winner.”
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Nelson, an undefeated boxer from Nebraska, wasted no time in responding to Pacheco’s acceptance, stating, “I’m on it, my people will be in contact soon as you’re done with your next one.” The winner of this potential fight between Pacheco and Nelson would become the mandatory challenger for the WBO title, eventually earning a shot at Canelo Alvarez—assuming the Mexican superstar successfully defends his title against Berlanga on September 14.
“Well since they’re locked in how about me and you get in there for a title eliminator after your next fight @realdiegopacheco.”
As a result, he answered in the affirmative, noting, “run it.” This prompted an excited Nelson to respond, stating, “I’m on it, my people will be in contact soon as you done with your next one.”
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Pacheco has also made his predictions for the upcoming Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga fight, which is set to headline the September 14th boxing event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The fight will be broadcast live on Amazon’s Prime Video, DAZN, and PPV.com. Canelo, who is heavily favored to win, will be defending his title for the fifth consecutive time. Pacheco believes that while Berlanga may perform well in the early rounds, Canelo will ultimately come out on top. “I think Canelo will stop him,” Pacheco predicted. He suggested that once Canelo finds his rhythm and adjusts to Berlanga’s timing, the fight will end decisively in Canelo’s favor.
During the Flash Knockdown podcast, the 23-year-old unbeaten boxer said, “I think Canelo will stop him.” He speculated Canelo will “get him out of there.”
As the boxing world waits for these exciting matchups to unfold, Diego Pacheco remains at the center of attention. Whether he will get his desired fight with Canelo Alvarez or be forced to wait for another opportunity remains to be seen. For now, the young contender is laser-focused on his upcoming fights, ready to prove himself as one of the top fighters in the super middleweight division.
