Canelo Alvarez rules my weight class now, but I'm the top hard-hitting prospect chasing him down

24/08/2024 09:00

Diego Pacheco is the new kid on the block and he wants to dethrone Canelo Alvarez for super-middleweight supremacy.

Pacheco is fast emerging as one of boxing’s hottest prospects, with an extensive amateur pedigree having seen him ease effortlessly into the professional ranks.

He reigned as an eight-time national champion and has put together a sensational record as a pro of 21 wins undefeated [17 KOs] and carries serious talent and notable power.

The 23-year-old is making his rise to world level at 168lbs, a division which has been dominated by pound-for-pound superstar Alvarez for so many years.

And American star Pacheco, who has huge respect for the champion, insists it is his goal to share the ring with and dethrone the modern-day great.

“It would obviously be a dream come true as Canelo is the king in the boxing world at the moment and has been for a few years,” he told talkSPORT.com.

“I have got to spar with him, be on his undercard and be around him and he has seen me fight.

“Obviously it would also be a dream come true to share the ring with him especially for a world title and ultimately that is the goal.

“That’s where I am trying to get to and if it was just up to me, I feel like I am ready for any of those guys in the top ten at 168lbs.

“It is a marathon not a sprint, but we have to keep going. I am young, I am 23 years old and I’m about to hit my prime.”

Pacheco will take the next step in his glistening career, when he takes on journeyed Maciej Sulecki in his hometown of Carson, California on August 31.

A win will see him continue his charge towards the pinnacle of the weight class, and likely see the boxing world express their clamour to see him fight a ranked opponent.

At this stage of his craft, Pacheco is gaining valuable experience having sparred with the likes of Alvarez and David Benavidez already.

He believes this has seen him set in good stead for the future, and taught some valuable lessons to take forward for his development.

“It has been an amazing experience to share the ring with guys like that [Benavidez, Canelo],” he continued.

“Since I can remember I have always wanted to share the ring with the best, train with the best and compete with the best.

“I consider myself one of the best and that is what it takes to be about greatness and learn from then.

“Obviously you have to make your own story and make your own path by having your own style, but it has been important to learn from the greats.”

The future is extremely bright for the young talent who is on the tip of fans’ tongues, and promoter Eddie Hearn who is tipping him as a superstar in the making for the Matchroom Boxing stable.

And he believes his upcoming opponent Sulecki will be the latest to find out about his frightening skills and boundless talent.

He concluded: “Sulecki is a step-up for me from my last few opponents, he has had world championship fights and is a veteran.

“But I feel like I am the best fighter he has been in there with and the best on his resume.

“And he will certainly find out come August 31, I feel like I am ready for that world title fight now.”