LOS ANGELES (August 29, 2024) – Top super middleweight Diego Pacheco and tough former world title challenger Maciej Sulecki had their press conference today at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., in advance of their highly anticipated 168-pound showdown this Saturday, August 31, live on DAZN (7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT).
Pacheco, a rising star in the super middleweight division, enters this bout with an unblemished record of 21-0, including 17 knockouts. At just 23 years old, the Los Angeles native has rapidly climbed the ranks, currently holding the No. 1 spot in the WBO and ranking within the top five of both the WBC and IBF. Pacheco’s last outing saw him defeat the unbeaten Shawn McCalman, further solidifying his position as a top contender. This upcoming fight against Maciej Sulecki represents another step in his quest to become the undisputed champion at 168 pounds. Known for his powerful punches and adaptability in the ring, Pacheco will be defending his WBC USA and WBO International titles in this 12-round contest.
Sulecki, on the other hand, brings a wealth of experience to the ring with a record of 32-2 and 12 knockouts. The 35-year-old Polish fighter is currently on a four-fight win streak, having previously faced some of the best in the division, including Demetrius Andrade and Daniel Jacobs. Sulecki’s recent victories over notable opponents like Gabe Rosado and Jack Culcay have revitalized his career, and he now looks to derail the momentum of the young Pacheco.
The undercard for this event features a series of exciting matchups that showcase a mix of rising stars, knockout artists, and experienced fighters. Eduardo Nunez, boasting an impressive record of 26-1 with a 100% knockout-to-win ratio, will face the battle-hardened Miguel Marriaga in a super featherweight bout. Nunez is riding a 16-fight win streak, while Marriaga, a three-time world title challenger, is looking to bounce back after a series of tough fights. Another intriguing undercard fight is the cruiserweight clash between Cheavon Clarke, who is undefeated with a record of 9-0, and the hard-hitting Efetobor Apochi. Both fighters are known for their knockout power, making this a must-watch bout.
This is what the fighters had to say at Dignity Health Sports Park today:
DIEGO PACHECO
“Thank you to everyone who is here supporting this event and making it possible. I had a tremendous training camp from my debut at 17 to now 23 years old. I feel I progressed a lot and super happy with how my training camp went and excited for this fight on Saturday. Sulecki is a tough guy and I’m looking forward to a war on Saturday night.
“I’m young in the sport. I’m only 23 years old. But if it was up to me, I feel I’m ready for anybody in the division. Right now, I’m facing Sulecki, and he is my main focus and what I’m locked in on. I feel great. I feel confident about my fight Saturday and looking forward to putting on a great performance. Being in tough fights is what I’ve dreamed of my whole life. That’s what I worked hard for and joined this sport for.
“As a little kid I’ve been here [at Dignity Health Sports Park] so many times to support events. This is a dream come true for me. To be here headlining here, in my hometown. Truly a dream come true. I’m excited. LA is going to come out and show their support.”
MACEIJ SULECKI
“Thank you everyone here and for everyone giving me a chance and my team for giving me a great boxing camp. I know that I will be the best test for Pacheco, I know that he has time but now is not his time. Maybe he will be a World Champion, he does have the talent, but I know it’s my time now. I’m ready for him and I hope he’s ready for me, I know it will be a great fight.
“I know I haven’t been in big boxing for awhile but I’m going to take him into the deep waters and drown him. I don’t think he’s ready.”
JOSE BENAVIDEZ SR.
“You are going to see a different Diego Pacheco this time. Get ready. He’s had a great camp and what’s different is the motivation of his daughter and the family he has now. We have a great opponent for him and a guy that he needs to get to the next level. This is a big test and we have to look impressive.”
AURELIANO SOSA
“It’s been a great camp, we feel very confident. We’ve known Diego for a very long time, great guy. Coach Benavidez is great. I have nothing bad to say about them. They’re great coaches and great fighters, but we’re still here for a great fight. I know Pacheco is always ready and all that so the people are definitely going to see a great fight on August 31st. War you’re gonna see and war you’re gonna get.
“Sulecki has been through wars, tough, tough wars that he survived all 12 rounds. Gave great fights and I believe this will be Diego’s biggest test.”
EDUARDO NUNEZ
“We are ready. I feel we’ve done everything right. I have a very good opponent in front of me. We’ve been working really hard with my team, who has accompanied me throughout my boxing career, but that doesn’t mean I’m taking things lightly. It is a must win fight for me on Saturday.
I know that we’ve got a really good opponent in front of us. We know that he’s very experienced, but I also know that this motivates me as well to learn from these experiences along the way. As you say, we need to win on Saturday. I also feel like I have the tools to put on a great performance which I will do on Saturday once again.”
MIGUEL MARRIAGA
“First thank you to everyone for giving me this opportunity. In this fight we know we are facing a tough boxer. We are coming into this fight hoping to get the victory. I know he’s a good fighter, but we are hoping it will be a good fight and a good event for the fans.”
ARTURO CARDENAS
“It’s true what you say, I’ve been really active and that won’t go against me. We’ll be completely ready for the 31st. We’ve put in some really hard work with my training team and with RGA boxing as well. As my opponent said it will be a great fight between two Mexican prospects”
JESUS ARECHIGA
“We’re really happy, we’re extremely motivated, we’ve prepared really well, and we’re totally ready to put on a great show for the fans. I think it’s going to be a fantastic fight between two Mexican prospects.”
CHEAVON CLARKE
“First of all, I want to thank the people of Los Angeles for receiving me. It’s been great to finally be here in the U.S. I’m not with the chattin and lippin, that’s not my thing. Come Saturday night you all will see what I do.
“If you check my record you’ll see that I’ve beaten guys better than him [Efetobor], so we’ll see come Saturday night.”
EFETOBOR APOCHI
“Thank you to everyone for showcasing this. I’ve been waiting for this day for a very long time. I’ve never had a promoter and never had anybody put money behind me, I’ve been doing this all by myself. I have been training hard because I know I’m the most dangerous cruiserweight in the world. I am happy to be on this platform and grateful. Matchroom is one of the best promoters in boxing and I just want to say thank you for bringing me here. I’ve been watching them since I started boxing.
“I’ve been cheering and rooting for Cheavon Clarke and watching his fights live – not on YouTube. Live. I really like you man and you’re a great fighter. A complete amateur standout. No disrespect to you, you have accomplished great things for your country, but today you are facing the greatest cruiserweight in the world. The underground king, yet to be crowned. Get ready. I wish you good luck.”
ADELAIDA RUIZ
“I’ve been in the game for many years, I know my skills. I’m not only a brawler, I can be a boxer… I can be everything. Everybody has seen what I’m capable of doing inside the ring… I’m keeping my belt on Saturday.
“My fans, my friends, my family, everybody’s coming, and they know I put on a show. God first willing, I’m taking my belt back home with me.”
GINNY FUCHS
“I know the last time we talked [with Eddie Hearn] I wanted a world title shot with my next fight. I’ve been staying ready for the moment and opportunity, and I’ve been staying busy in the Team Combat League too. When you called me for this fight for the WBC belt I agreed to it and I’m here to take it.
“I’ve been frustrated waiting and seeing and trying to get a fight, but wanted people to see my action and skill. The fact that I was called was a blessing and I’m glad I have this opportunity. I’m glad to be matched up against a top fighter and I don’t think she will be able to handle my speed and footwork. I’m ready to be in the ring with her Saturday night and show her my skills.”
FABIAN ROJO
“Thank you very much to my promoter, Matchoom and Eddie Hearn for giving me this opportunity and I’m very proud of what I’ve done myself so far in my career. I’m really looking forward to continuing doing what I’m doing.”
ALEX FRIAS RODRIGUEZ
“I’m ready to put on a big show in my hometown. I’m ready for this test. I trained hard. I definitely believe in myself. I believe in my skills so when the opportunity comes, I’ll be ready to seize it.”
CRIZTEC BAZALDUA
“First and foremost, I want to give all the glory to God for putting me on this stage and allowing me to display my talents to the best of my abilities.
I’m just ready, I’ve been building myself these past few fights and I’m up for the test for whoever you put in front of me. It’s always been great fighting home, just in the U.S. I’m ready to defend my home territory and make a name for myself.”
KYLE ERWIN
“Thank you for giving me this opportunity. This is a big platform, big spotlight, and the lights are going to be a lot brighter but at the end of the day it’s just another fight. I’m going to step in the ring and do what I do best and really looking forward to this fight. I had a great camp, great preparation.
“As a stocky fighter, I’m always the shorter fighter so it’s nothing new to me. I’ve had great sparing, tall lefty sparing for this camp for about three weeks straight, so I believe in my skills, preparation and grit so I’m going to bring the war.”
EDDIE HEARN
“We are back in the U.S. to continue an incredible run with DAZN with this weekend to see if Diego Pacheco can continue his assault on his division in a fantastic night of boxing.
“This Saturday we have a real special place in Los Angeles and the atmosphere is going to be incredible. In my opinion, Diego Pacheco can be the future of this division but a very tough test against Sulecki on Saturday headlining a tremendous card at the “War Grounds.” Don’t miss this Saturday as we continue to build to an unrivaled schedule to close out the year.”
For additional fight information, please click HERE.
# # #
ABOUT PACHECO VS. SULECKI
Matchroom Boxing Promotions presents a blockbuster world title clash as Diego Pacheco prepares to face Maciej Sulecki in the main event at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, on August 31, 2024 with the fight airing on DAZN worldwide. Pacheco, an unbeaten super middleweight, aims to solidify his status by defending his WBC USA and WBO International titles. The co-main event features Eduardo Nunez making his U.S. debut against Miguel Marriaga, with other exciting bouts on the card, including Cheavon Clarke vs. Efetobor Apochi at cruiserweight and Adelaida Ruiz defending her interim WBC super flyweight title.
