Diego Pacheco’s unanimous decision victory over a gritty Steven Nelson was more than just another win - it was a statement that the 23-year-old Los Angeles native belongs among the top super middleweights. Now Pacheco is inching closer to a big-ticket fight, even if a showdown with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez may still be just out of reach. That said, there’s no shortage of matchups to keep him busy in the meantime.
Watch Pacheco vs. Nelson fight highlights: Watch
One option is Jaime Munguia, a former middleweight champ who recently suffered a shocking loss but remains a big-name contender. If Munguia redeems himself in his next outing, a clash with Pacheco could give both fighters a shot at re-establishing their momentum. Another dark-horse possibility is Cuba’s Osleys Iglesias, who’s put together an impressive series of knockouts in 2024 - though he carries a high-risk, low-reward stigma for any top-level competitor. Edgar Berlanga is also floating around the division, hoping to rebuild after going 12 tough rounds with Canelo last year. With their U.S. ties and fan-friendly styles, Berlanga vs. Pacheco would be a nice matchup.
Then there’s Canada-based Christian Mbilli, a pressure fighter who, like Pacheco, might represent the “next wave” of super middleweight stars once Canelo eventually moves on. Matching Pacheco’s rangy style against Mbilli’s constant aggression is the kind of fight that could crown the best of the new guard. And of course, the ultimate target is Canelo himself. While a duel with the sport’s biggest name is probably a bit early for Pacheco, it’s hard not to imagine him one day testing his mettle against Alvarez - especially now that he’s the WBO’s top contender. If he keeps delivering the kind of performances we saw against Nelson, that opportunity might come sooner than we think.
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Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing