In a testament to his growing influence in the Super-Middleweight division, Diego Pacheco took Manuel Gallegos down in just four rounds at Monterrey, thereby preparing the stage for his first headline bout in Los Angeles later this year.
Pacheco (19-0 16 KOs) had set the expectations high, vowing to outsmart Gallegos, break him down, and ultimately stop him. The rising sensation lived up to his promise, delivering a display of power and control in his second headline bout and becoming the first to halt the resilient Gallegos (19-2-1 16 KOs).
Pacheco’s Impressive Performance
Pacheco showed remarkable bodywork, especially when with just 30 seconds left of the fourth round, he knocked Gallegos to the ground. What followed was a relentless onslaught that left the referee no choice but to call off the contest before the round’s end.
Speaking on his win, Pacheco was brimming with confidence, stating, “I’m just that guy. I’m getting better, wiser, stronger. My opponents are improving, but that’s just fueling my performance level. And it’s only going to escalate from here.”
Emphasizing the familial support and his ambition, he continued, “Watching my brother open the show was exhilarating. We’re setting our sights high, and we’ll work tirelessly to reach where we aspire to be.”
Pacheco’s Anticipation for LA Bout
The prospect of headlining in LA had Pacheco buzzing with excitement. “It’s a dream about to come true,” he said, adding, “I’ve been investing hard work and waiting for opportunities like this, and now it’s happening. LA fans have always showered me with love. I’m anticipating an incredible night, particularly since I haven’t fought there since 2019. I believe this was one of my top performances to date, he was a tough opponent, but I was ready. I want to face everyone in the division. I’m just 22 and I have time to confront them all, so let Eddie Hearn line them up.”
Hearn, the promoter, chimed in, “That was a terrific performance. We’ve watched this young man mature since he was 17 and we’re incredibly proud. Despite being in a small ring against a formidable Super-Middleweight like Gallegos, Pacheco maintained his composure, showed excellent shot selection. He is going all the way.”
What’s in store for Pacheco?
Emphasizing Pacheco’s future prospects, Hearn continued, “He has fought against a Brit in England, against a Mexican in Mexico, and now, it’s time for Los Angeles. He’s the future of the Super-Middleweight division. Watching him evolve from a 17-year-old seeking advice to the incredible fighter he’s becoming has been a delight. He’s definitely on a path to greatness.”
Hearn also gave us a glimpse of the upcoming events, “We’re planning a big show in LA later this year. South Central LA will show up for this young man and it’s going to be a memorable night. We’re aiming for a top 15 opponent. Diego has mentioned names like Edgar Berlanga and Jaime Munguia – these could be big matches for 2024. We want to end the year on a high note with a significant performance in LA against a credible 168-pounder. But we will follow Jose’s advice on his progression. What we saw in there was a man handling pressure from a hefty opponent in a confined ring, with composure, mobility, and excellent shot selection. We’re truly excited about his future, one of the first fighters we signed when we came to America – and we’re absolutely sure he will become a World champion.”
Other Notable Matches
Eduardo Hernandez (34-1 31 KOs) issued a challenge to WBC king O’Shaquie Foster after his decisive three-round victory over Hector Garcia (20-8-4 13 KOs). Hernandez sent a strong message to Foster with a stunning knockout.
I Jonathan Rodriguez (24-2-1 16 KOs) and Israel Gonzalez (28-5-2 11 KOs) delivered a split draw in their Super-Flyweight bout. The intense exchange between Rodriguez’s precise pressure and Gonzalez’s agile moves and jabbing made it a challenging match to score.
Neider Valdez (9-0-2 8 KOs) of Monterrey won impressively against Isaias Ortiz (5-4 3 KOs) with a left hook to the body, culminating in a notable knockout victory.
Federico Pacheco (4-0 3 KOs), Diego’s younger brother, also made headlines, defeating Oscar Heredia in the second round of his fourth pro match, proving that talent indeed runs in the family.
