Anthony Olascuaga has signed a multi-fight co-promotional deal with Matchroom and Teiken Promotions, and will defend his WBO World Flyweight title against Yuberjen Martinez on November 14 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA, part of the latest event in TNT Sports and DAZN’s “The Fight,” the new monthly live boxing series, and will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN and worldwide on DAZN as the co-main event to Diego Pacheco’s Super-Middleweight showdown with Darius Fulghum.

**TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT AXS.COM AND EVENTS365.COM**

Olascuaga (12-1 9 KOs) defends his title for the sixth time and does so in his first fight in his Los Angeles home, having had five of his last six fights in Japan. The 27-year-old won the title in Tokyo in July 2024 with a third-round KO of Riku Kano in Tokyo and has returned to Japan for four of his defenses, the last being a ninth-round stoppage of Jukiya Iimura in March – and ‘Princesa’ is thrilled to be fighting in LA for the first time in his career and continuing his reign as World ruler.

“I’m so excited to be fighting in Los Angeles,” said Olascuaga. “It feels amazing to fight in the city and on the streets where I grew up. LA is home, and fighting in front of my people makes this one extra special.
 
“I am very grateful to Mr. Honda and everyone at Teiken for their continued support, and I’m also very pleased to have the opportunity to work with Eddie Hearn and the Matchroom team once again.
 
“I’m ready to put on a great show and give everyone a night to remember! Come out, show your love, and support me — I can’t wait to see you all there!”
 
Martinez (7-0 7 KOs) is gearing up for his first World title shot and brings a perfect record into the bout following a glittering amateur career. The two-time Olympian and 2016 silver medalist picked up the WBO Latino strap in May with his seventh stoppage win in seven pro-outings, and the Colombian has vowed to add World title glory to stuffed trophy cabinet from his amateur days.

“I’m very happy with this huge opportunity to fight for the WBO Title,” said Martinez. “After winning Silver at the Rio Olympics, my dream has been to become World champion.

“I have been training to fight on November 20 in my home country, when I received the call from my promoter for this fight, I got very exited because I’m ready. We will finish camp at Nacho Berestain Romanza Gym in Mexico City and come November 14; we will be ready for war.”

Olascuaga’s defense leads a stacked undercard that starts with the Matchroom and US debut of David Adeleye, who faces Alexander Flores over 10 rounds. Adeleye (14-2 13 KOs) put pen to paper with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom in September and the Briton’s first assignment sees him tangle with the experienced Californian Flores (21-6-1 19 KOs) over ten rounds.

“I’ve been out the ring far too long and my itchy knuckles are ready to fly,” said Adeleye. “This is the start to the next phase of my career, with Eddie and Matchroom I intend to fulfill my desire to be the best in the world!”

The Lightweight division is bubbling up nicely and two Californian’s clash in a showdown that could move the winner into line for a big fight, as Charlie Sheehy and Gabriel Flores Jr. meet over ten. Sheehy (13-0 8 KOs) fights under the Matchroom banner for the second time having impressed with a stoppage win in Houston in May over Nike Theran, while Flores Jr. (27-3 8 KOs) will be itching to get back to winning ways after going the distance with former World ruler Joe Cordina in December in Stockton, CA.

“This is a big opportunity that I’ve been waiting for,” said Sheehy. “I’m ready to make a statement and take another step closer to becoming World champion.”

“This fight will be a breakout performance; my time is now,” said Flores Jr. All my experience goes into this fight, and that can be the difference.”

A packed show will features a stack of rising stars on the prelims, with Zaquin Moses fighting over eight rounds at Super Featherweight, Nishant Dev in action over eight rounds atSuper Welterweight, Frank Espinoza getting out over six rounds at Middleweight and Pacheco’s brother Federico ready for eight rounds at Heavyweight, with all opponents to be confirmed in due course.

“This is a fantastic card for LA,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “We’re delighted to add Anthony to the team, and he hits the ground running with us with a first fight at home in LA against Olympic medalist Martinez. Victory on November 14 for Anthony paves the way for a massive year in 2027 – he wants to add more belts to his collection, and with Matchroom and Teiken behind him, that’s on the cards if he delivers the win at the War Grounds.

“David Adeleye is another great addition to the team and he’s ready to get busy as he targets the big fights at Heavyweight, while the Lightweight battle between Charlie and Gabe is a fascinating one which puts the winner in a fantastic position at 135lbs.

“Four exciting talents complete the bill with Zaquin, Federico, Nishant and Frank, it’s going to be a massive night and one not to miss on TNT and DAZN.”

LOS ANGELES (October 5, 2026) – World-rated super middleweight Darius “DFG” Fulghum (15-1-1, 13 KOs) has never cruised smoothly on his obstacle-laden journey in boxing. Nothing has come easy for the personable Texan, but that could change on November 14 when he takes on undefeated Diego Pacheco (26-0, 19 KOs).

Fulghum, rated No. 6 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), continues on his mission to fight for a world title.  An impressive victory over the WBA No. 7-rated Pacheco in a match up that is like a title eliminator without the mandatory guarantee, to be shown live on DAZN, TNT and truTV from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Pacheco will defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) International and World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver super middleweight titles in “The Fight” card’s 10-round main event.

“Life is about the need to overcome adversity and it can also be a beautiful story,” Fulghum spoke about his arduous and often unfair journey. No great stories are without trials and tribulations to overcome. When I decided to box when I was 18, I said I’d never give up and made that commitment to myself. Nothing’s been easy during my journey and it’s crazy how it has been.

“I lined up the 2020 Olympics and school (Prairie View A&M University) and overcame that. I was seeded 8^th in the Olympic (heavyweight) Olympic Trials to make the Olympic Team, but then Covid hit.”

Believe it or not, Fulghum lacked confidence and was insecure growing up. He was not good at sports, but he was an intelligent kid in high school. But then he found boxing.

“I’m okay now,” Darius said. “I’m humble but believe in myself because of boxing. I did play team sports, but it lacked accountability. Boxing is you by yourself. I love that accountability aspect; if I won it’s me and when I lost it’s all on me. That taught me how to be a leader. I trust and believe in myself and always work hard.”

Because of Covid, the 2020 Olympics were pushed back. Fulghum had graduated from Prairie View with a degree in nursing and he decided to turn pro rather than wait for up-in-the-air Olympics. Unfortunately, the promotional company had him on the shelf most of the time before it went out of business.

“There was uncertainty,” Fulghum admitted about his new promoter. “I wasn’t fighting or making money while a lot of my friends from nursing school were killing it. I stayed focused and double downed, sparring top fighters in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. My first camp was with (Golden Boy and 3 PM stablemate) Zurdo Ramirez and that’s how I met (his manager) David Suh and got with 3 PM (Suh’s managerial company, 3 Point Management). I got good work, experience and kept busy.”

Adversity struck again, however, when Fulghum suffered his first loss in the pro ranks on May 30, 2025, by way of a tough 12-round loss to Bektemir Melikuziev (15-1), followed 5 months later with a 10-round draw with David Stevens (15-2).

Fulghum responded by switching his training camps from his hometown of Houston to Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood in California. His head trainer, Darnell Pierce, remains in that position but Julian Chua, one of the fastest rising trainers in the industry, is helping to fine-tune Fulghum. The first result was impressive as Darius stopped Cuban fighter Yoanki Urrutia in the 3^rd round of their fight this past May.

“Los Angeles is great,” he offered, “the weather, atmosphere and to be surrounded by people who push and motivate me.”

Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer who was ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, but as a professional he’s fought strictly as a super middleweight. He was the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament Champion, and he also won the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

“This fight (vs. Pacheco) will make my story that much sweeter,” Fulghum concluded. “It’s also motivational because I’m going to prove that little, insecure kid made the right decision.”

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), which has a growing stable of gifted boxers including former WBA & WBO Cruiserweight and WBO Super Middleweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (48-2, 30 KOs), WBA No. 1-rated world super flyweight title contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez (17-1, 9 KOs), former WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk (21-3, 17 KOs), former WBA Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Champion, Canadian Kareem “Supreme” Hackett (13-1, 7 KOs), Armenian featherweight Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (23-6, 17 KOs), and German junior welterweight Simon “Saucy” Vollmer (7-0, 3 KOs).

INFORMATION:

Facebook:      #3pointmanagement #JulianChua #BrickhouseBoxingClub

Instagram:      @DariusFulghum X: @DariusFulghum @JChua10          

LinkedIn:        @DariusFulghum @3pointmgmt @Julian_Chua @BrickhouseBoxingClub

LOS ANGELES (August 6, 2026) – Houston-based, world-rated super middleweight Darius “DFG” Fulghum (15-1-1, 13 KOs) is targeting undefeated Diego Pacheco (26-0, 13 KOs) among others to position himself as a legitimate world title challenger for reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) World Super Middleweight Champion Jaime Munguia (46-2, 35 KOs).

For his last fight this past May 22nd, the 29-year-old Fulghum shifted training camp from Houston to the state-of-the-art Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood, California, for multiple issues that needed attention after his previous two disappointing performances (0-1-1).

In addition to getting elite sparring, Fulghum worked with one of boxing’s leading young trainers, Julian Chua, who also trains 2-division world champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (and WBA No. 1 ranked super flyweight John “Scrappy” Ramirez, as well as unbeaten prospect Eric Priest (16-0-1, 8 KOs).

Fulghum’s longtime coach, Darnell Pierce, remains in Darius’ corner as head trainer and he worked many of Fulghum’s training sessions at Brickhouse. The results were so positive that the WBA No. 5-rated Fulghum is training again at Brickhouse Boxing Club in advance of his next fight. Fulghum stopped Cuban Yoanki Urrutia (17-2, 7 KOs) in the third round.

“My focus was the most important thing that I improved,” Fulghum explained. “Brickhouse put me in an environment where every day I’m surrounded by people who force me to level up. Physically I’ve always had the tools. The difference now is I’m mentally locked in, and that’s what people are going to see from here on out.”

Pacheco’s last fight was on July 18 in Carson, California, in which he knocked out Immanuwel Aleem (22-4-3, 14 KOs) in round eleven. Pacheco is ranked in all 4 major sanctioning bodies – WBO #3, WBC #4, WBA #6 and IBF #13 – as well as No. 6 by Ring Magazine.

“I have a lot of respect for Diego,” Fulghum said. “I was offered that fight but they decided to go with Aleem as their opponent instead. I was disappointed that I didn’t get that fight, because I believe I would’ve exposed a lot of things. Again, I think he is a talented fighter, but I know what I’ve done, and I don’t think he’s ever been in the ring with anybody like me. He’s fought a lot of good guys, but none with my style. If we fight, people are going to see the difference. This will be an entertaining fight with lots of action and my hometown of Houston will show up and show out for this one.

“Diego has a good jab and he’s well rounded. But his team has matched him smartly because most of the guys he’s fought play right into his strengths. I’m not one of those guys. I’d like to fight Diego next. It would be a great fight and position me for a world title shot. There are other ‘name’ super middleweights like (WBA No. 1) Bek (Bektemir Melikuziev) but he may be fighting Munguia next. I’d fight (WBA No. 3, Jose Armando) Resendiz and (WBA No. 4, Jermall) Charlo. ‘DFG’ is ready for the test!”

Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer who was ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, but as a professional he’s fought strictly as a super middleweight. He was the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament Champion, and he also won the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. He earned a nursing degree from Prairie View A & M University during COVID-19.

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), which has a growing stable of gifted boxers former including WBA & WBO Cruiserweight and WBO Super Middleweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (48-248-2, 30 KOs), WBA No. 1-rated world super flyweight title contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez (17-1, 9 KOs), former WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk (21-3, 17 KOs), former WBA Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Champion, Canadian Kareem “Supreme” Hackett (13-1, 7 KOs), Armenian featherweight Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (23-6, 17 KOs), and German junior welterweight Simon “Saucy” Vollmer (7-0, 3 KOs).

INFORMATION:

Facebook: #3pointmanagement #JulianChua #BrickhouseBoxingClub

Instagram: @DariusFulghum X: @DariusFulghum @JChua10

LinkedIn: @DariusFulghum @3pointmgmt @Julian_Chua @BrickhouseBoxingClub

6 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest

FEDERICO PACHECO JR. (231.2lbs) vs. NICK JONES (206.8lbs)
Los Angeles, California                              Okmulgee, Oklahoma

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Middleweight contest

FRANK ESPINOSA (159.8lbs) vs. LUIS CARABALLO (161lbs)
Sacramento, California                  Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Lightweight contest

SAMUEL CONTRERAS (136.2lbs) vs. JORGE ALBERTO AYALA (135.8lbs)
Los Angeles, California                         Queretaro, Mexico

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest

LEO ATANG (234.2lbs) vs. GLEN WILLIAMS (270.4lbs)
Yorkshire, England              Houston, Texas

LIVE WORLDWIDE ON DAZN FROM 5PM

10 x 3 mins Bantamweight contest

SAUL SANCHEZ (118lbs) vs. BRUNO RIOS (117.8lbs)
North Hollywood, California    Los Angeles, California

Followed by

10 x 3 mins Featherweight contest

ALBERT GONZALEZ (125lbs) vs. AARON ALAMEDA (125.4lbs)
Moreno Valley, California               Sonora, Mexico

Followed by

10 x 3 mins Lightweight contest

ANDY CRUZ (134.6lbs) vs. ABRAHAM MONTOYA (134.4lbs)
Mantanzas, Cuba                Mexicali, Mexico

Followed by

12 x 3 mins WBC Silver and WBO International Super-Middleweight titles

DIEGO PACHECO (167.8lbs) vs. IMMANUWEL ALEEM (167lbs)
Los Angeles, California                 East Meadow, New York

Eddie Hearn

“Welcome everybody to Los Angeles, California, as the big nights keep on rolling on DAZN, you would have recently seen another huge announcement with the the welcoming of the PBC now too, to the global home of boxing.

“Every major promotional company now here, chances to make fights and continue this incredible schedule on the platform.

“This weekend, we have one of our first ever stars with Matchroom Boxing in the USA, with Diego Pacheco against Immanuwel Aleem in a breathtaking fight at Dignity Health Sports Park, a brilliant night of boxing throughout before we go next week to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia for the return of Anthony Joshua.

“Just a reminder as well, here tomorrow at 4pm will be the official weigh-in and the launch press conference for Andy Ruiz Jr. against Damian Knyba on September 4 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey as the big-time schedule keeps rolling on for DAZN.”

Diego Pacheco

“First and foremost, I want to thank God, I want to thank my management team, Sheer Sports, my my training team, Buddy McGirt, and Coach Omar, everyone who’s been part of my team.

“This has been one of the best camps I’ve ever had, and I’m just ready this Saturday. We’ve done everything necessary to prepare for anything Aleem brings. I’m just looking forward to a great night of boxing and and having my hand raised.

“I definitely take him seriously, he’s a good fighter and I take that nothing from him. But he’s never been in there with anyone like me. I’m confident in the work we put in this camp. Ever since I turned turned pro, I’ve never let my foot off the gas. I’ve always done what I’ve had to do. That’s why I’m here today. I didn’t get this far just to get this far.

“Thank you Matchroom for coming into this new agreement with us and you know we extended our contract and and hopefully this contract will get us into those World title fights.

“I’m not looking past this Saturday. We’re looking forward to this fight, but um you know, we have our our eyes set on on on the bigger picture, you know, and that’s becoming a World champion.

“I feel like I’m one of the best fighters in the in the division for sure. Hopefully Matchroom and Sheer Sports can figure out how they can get me this World title fight.”

Immanuwel Aleem

“I’m just prepared for the occasion. There’s a body on Saturday; I got to go get it. I’m just prepared. I’m a real boxer. I’ve been in this sport since I was 12. I know what is at stake. Besides all the other stuff that comes around this is hands versus hands. And I know what these hands can do. They know these hands can do.

“I know he holds probably three to four times a round. Referees need to really identify that and hopefully he doesn’t make this a hugging match, and we can really throw hands. I fight everybody who’s been tall, look at my record. I’m normally the shorter fighter nine times out of 10. It’s another day in the boxing ring for me. It’s my time for myself.”

Buddy McGirt

“I believe in my heart that the world hasn’t seen the best of Diego. There’s more to him than meets the eye. He was getting by doing what he was doing, but there’s more to him.

“This camp we just added a little bit. We can’t do too much at once; you know what I mean? We just add a little bit more flavor to what he was doing and we’ve prepared for a tough fight.

“We know what’s ahead of us Saturday night. We’re not stupid. The key is this to get in there and handle our business.

“For a guy his height, he he could just do so much. The key is just to put everything together Saturday night. We know that when you fight someone that has everything to gain and nothing to lose, they’re dangerous. I just see the look in this camp’s eyes. We know we got what we got to do Saturday night. If we do what we supposed to do, everything will be cool.”

Omar Aleem

“We are prepared fearless extremely fearless. We are coming. We want those belts. I said we wanted Pacheco and here we are. We trained for you, we’ve been ready and he’s just a blockage for Canelo. That’s what we want, so when we get get rid of you, we want Canelo.”

Andy Cruz

“I feel good, I’m ready to be back in the ring. I have learned something with every fight whether I win or lose, I’m anxious to be back and show what Andy Cruz has. My focus right now is on Saturday and to give a great show against a fighter like Montoya.”

Abraham Montoya

“We are very excited to be here. I saw that last fight between Andy and Muratalla, and I do believe that he won that fight, so being able to face him is a blessing. As soon as I got that my team immediately accepted we said yes.”

Albert Gonzalez

“I’m very grateful to be here. I thank God, I thank my team, Top Rank and Brad Goodman, everybody that made this possible to for me to be here. I take every fight serious, like it’s a World title fight to get me closer to that World title fight.

“This fight right here for sure is another one of those fights that’s going to get me to that level. A fighter like him, a veteran that’s been at that World title level, he’s been a contender and me being able to perform and not just win but look great against a type of opponent like this is what’s going to get me to that level.

“I feel like this guy has been at World title level already, so they can hopefully stop calling me a prospect after this fight, and be able to get me those bigger fights, like former World champion or something like that, and get me closer to that World title.

“I believe that that I’m ready for it, I’m hungry, I’m in the gym day in day out. I know what I want and and that’s to be a World champion.

“I want to get to those World titles as quick as possible, God’s timing is always the best, but I believe that if they give me the the the phone call or the opportunity for my next fight or by this year, I’m ready for it.”

Aaron Alameda

“I’m very happy and I’m very grateful to be here. I have a lot of experience, so I’m ready to give it my all on Saturday.”

Saul Sanchez

“He’s young, he’s hungry and I’ll be here. I’m ready to give him another great memory. It’ll be be a big crowd on Saturday and it’s going to be a great atmosphere.”

Bruno Rios

“We’ve been getting great sparring with Robert Garcia about for two years now, we’re ready. We train really hard and we’re ready for this type of fight.”

Leo Atang

“I’m very grateful to be here and all the opportunities that you’ve given me so early in my career.

“I’ve been taking it in like seeing what LA is about. I’ve not too much but I’ve enjoyed it so far.

“I feel like I’ve been a bit of a victim to that hand speed because, you know, they’ve been jumping in and waving it off.

“There’s stuff we can take away and learn from; slow it down, be more patient and just let it come naturally.

“I’ve got all the support around me, you and you and everyone at Matchroom. I’ve got all my boys coming out as well to come in to support my family coming out to support. I’m excited for the journey and this is just another step of it.”

Samuel Contreras

“I want to thank Matchroom, DAZN and Top Rank for bringing this event here in LA. I’m ready, focused and I feel very confident. I’ve been training myself for this fight and I’m ready to put on the show.

“It’s a good thing staying more active, it keeps our mind sharp, keeps us disciplined. I’m thankful for the opportunity and can’t wait for this Saturday.”

Frank Espinosa

“I’m ready. I’m about to go out there and show my skills again. I’m going to go in there, do my thing. Last fight I was very excited, this fight, I’m going to show my skills and break them down.”

Federico Pacheco

“It’s a very big night for the family on Saturday night. First of all, I want to thank God and I want to thank my managers for this opportunity on the same as my brother.

“It’s a a young group of Heavyweights, but I’m the only Mexican on the rise. I take a lot of pride in that and I’m going to make sure I exceed the expectations of a Mexican Heavyweight and I’m excited for Saturday.”

Buddy McGirt believes his new charge Diego Pacheco has yet to scratch the surface of the talent and skills at his disposal, as they begin their new partnership this Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California against Immanuwel Aleem, live worldwide on DAZN.

Pacheco (25-0 18 KOs) defends his WBC Silver and WBO International Super-Middleweight titles and holds lofty positions in all the governing bodies – #3 WBO, #4 WBC and IBF, #7 WBA. The LA star penned a new deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom recently and the 25 year old fights at the esteemed California coliseum known as the War Grounds for the second time, having previously KO’d Maciej Sulecki there in 2024.

Aleem (22-4-3 14 KOs) will be looking to crash into the top-end of the rankings with the biggest win of his career and bounce back from defeat in his last outing in March, a distance reversal against Lester Martinez for the interim WBC World title.

McGirt has trained some or the biggest names in the sport and after completing his first camp with Pacheco, the former two-weight World champion and Hall of Famer thinks he has levels and gears to go through as he steps up his pursuit of World title fights at 168lbs.

“I don’t believe he’s scratched the surface yet with his talent, he hasn’t used all of the talent that he has,” said McGirt. “He’s got by doing just what he’s been doing, but the key is to make him better, to make the fights much easier. He has a talent to make fights much easier than rather making them hard. If you scratch the surface and bring the best out and the tools that he has that he doesn’t use, and have him get confidence in it, it makes it so much easier.

“On Saturday, I expect him to be Diego, but at the same time, I expect him to do a few of the things you worked on, not everything, because you can’t expect that the first fight out, but if he does one or two of the things that we worked on, it’ll be a very successful night.

“First, you two got to click. Then you got to see what makes him tick and what doesn’t. This young man has a lot of talent. He’s got a long way to go and a lot to offer and a lot to give.

“There’s things that he can do that I don’t think he knows he can do yet. Things that I see that he has the ability to do. The key is not to throw everything at him at once.

“He’s a young man that’s willing to learn. A lot of fighters, you say something to them, they always got an answer, like “Yeah, I know, but.” Well, if you know, then if you know, you don’t need me. If I say something to him or show him something, he’ll try and do it and bam. And then when he makes a mistake before I can correct him, he says, “I messed up.”

“I felt like like we needed someone who’s been at that that high level, who’s been a World champion, who’s been in the corner of a lot of World championship fights,” said Pacheco. “I feel Buddy was was a perfect guy.

“In the past, I feel like I’ve had coaches who who just let stuff slide because of my height and the things I can do, they they they thought I could get away with certain things. Buddy’s a real old school fighter who, you know, everything has to be on point.

“Everything has to be a certain way. And I love his boxing IQ. I love the way he likes to to stick to the jab. I feel like that’s just what I needed to get to that next level.

“This is my first camp with Buddy. We’ve been doing a lot of a lot of learning, fixing little stuff that wasn’t really fixed in the past. There’s a lot of stuff that Buddy wanted me to work on that at first was a little awkward for me because it was new, but after getting it down and getting comfortable with with everything, I feel really good and sharp.”

4 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
CESAR OLVERA (131.2lbs)     vs.           VICTOR SARAVIA (132lbs)
Stockton, California                                       Los Angeles, California

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Featherweight contest
SACHERY SAM (125.6lbs)       vs.           BRANDON MEDINA GUERRERO (124.8lbs)
Stockton, California                                       Michoacán, Mexico

Followed by

8 x 3 mins Cruiserweight contest
CHEV CLARKE (199.4lbs)        vs.           ANTHONY HOLLAWAY (196.6lbs)
Kent, England                                                      Peoria, Illinois

Followed by

10 x 3 mins WBC Continental Americas Super-Bantamweight title
ARTURO CARDENAS (121.8lbs)          vs.           CESAR VACA (120.8lbs)
Michoacán, Mexico                                                           Jalisco, Mexico

Live on DAZN from 5pm

10 x 2 mins WBC Interim World Super-Bantamweight title
SKYE NICOLSON (121.4lbs)  vs.           YULIAHN LUNA (120lbs)
Queensland, Australia                                 Durango, Mexico

Followed by

10 x 3 mins WBO International Super-Lightweight title
ERNESTO MERCADO (139lbs)              vs.           ANTONIO MORAN (140lbs)
Pomona, California                                                           Mexico City, Mexico

Followed by

12 x 3 mins WBO International Lightweight title
JOE CORDINA (135lbs)              vs.           GABE FLORES JR (134.8lbs)
Cardiff, Wales                                                      Stockton, California

Followed by

12 x 3 mins WBC Silver and WBO International Super-Middleweight titles
DIEGO PACHECO (167.2lbs)                  vs.           KEVIN LELE SADJO (166lbs)
South Central LA, California                                     Val-de-Marne, France

Jesse Rodriguez retained the WBC/WBO Super Flyweight title with a 10th round stoppage over Phumelele Cafu at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

Rodriguez dominated the fight against the rugged challenger. In round 10, Rodriguez landed a right hook that hurt Cafu. Rodriguez followed up on the challenger with a flurry of punches that wobbled Cafu. Cafu tackled Rodriguez and both fighters fell to the canvas. When Cafu got up, his corner waved the towel at 2:07.

Rodriguez, 1148. lbs from San Antonio is 22-0 with 15 knockouts. Cafu, 115 lbs of Eastern Cape, SA is 11-1-3.

Rodriguez will fight a unification bout with Fernando Martinez on November 22nd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Pacheco Decisions McCumby

Diego Pacheco remained undefeated with a 12-round unanimous decision over nTrevor McCumby in a super middleweight bout.

In round two ,McCumby was cut on his forehead between his eyes from an accidental headbutt.

Pacheco, 168 lbs of South Central Los Angeles won by scores of 120-108 and 119-109 twice and is now 24-0. McCumby, 168 lbs of Glendale, AZ is 28-2.

Ammo Williams Stops Ivan Vazquez in 9

Austin Williams stopped late-replacement Ivan Vazquez in round nine of their scheduled 10-round middleweight bout.

In round three, Williams was deducted a point for a low blow.

In round nine, Williams landed a hard body flurry that put Vazquez down. When Vazquez got to his feet, he told the referee that he did not want anymore and the fight was called at 36 seconds.

Williams, 158.4 of Houston is now 19-1 with 13 knockouts. Vazquez, 159.6 lbs of Houston is 11-1-2.

Omari Jones Stops Blanco in 3

Omari Jones stopped Alfredo Rodolfo Banco in a scheduled six-round junior middleweight bout.

Just before the bell sounded to end round two, Jones landed a check left hook that put Blanco on the canvas, In round three, Jones dropped Blanco with a body shot and the fight was stopped at 1:31.

Jones, 149.4 lbs of Orlando is 3-0 with three knockouts. Blanco, 150.2 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG is 24-15.

Hector Beltran Jr. took out Edgar Gutierrez in round three of a scheduled four-round junior middleweight bout.

Beltran dominated the action and in round three, Beltran landed a big flurry of punches that forced a referee stoppage at 2:35.

Beltran Jr., 154 lbs of Dallas is 3-0 with three knockouts. Gutierrez, 153.4 lbs of Yuma, AZ is 3-4.

Nshant Dev stopped LaQuan Evans in the sixth and final round of their junior middleweight bout.

In round six, Dev landed two hard lefts on Evans and the body language of Evans looked as he was in trouble and the bout was stopped at 1:58.

Dev, 155.8 lbs of Karmal, IND is 3-0 with two knockouts. Evans, 156.2 lbs of Philadelphia is 5-6.

Pablo Valdez remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over Robert Redmond Jr. in a junior middleweight bout.

In round three, Valdez dropped Redmond with a short right hand. Seconds later, it was a bigger right hand that put Redmond down again, and the fight was stopped at 1:00.

Valdez, 156 lbs of New York is 10-0 with nine knockouts. Redmond, 154.2 lbs of Houston is 8-3-2.

World rulers Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Richardson Hitchins face crunch clashes in the summer live worldwide on DAZN – as WBC and Ring Magazine king Bam faces WBO champion Phumelele Cafu in a blockbuster unification battle at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on July 19 and Hitchins makes the first defense of his IBF World Junior-Welterweight crown against former World ruler George Kambosos Jr at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 14.
 
Rodriguez (21-0 14 KOs) is back in action following a stellar 2024, where he followed his epic KO win over modern great Juan Francisco Estrada in a fight of the year contender in Phoenix in June to become a two-weight unified champion, and defended the titles for the first time in Philadelphia in November with a dominant three-round destruction of Pedro Guevara, and fights in his home state for the first time since he became a two-weight champion by beating Cristian Hernandez in his San Antonio hometown in April 2023.
 
Cafu (11-0-3 8 KOs) puts his belt on the line for the first time after taking the crown from Kosei Tanaka in Tokyo in October via split decision. ‘Truth’ now steps into one of the biggest fights in the game in just his second World championship bout, with the South African landing his belt in just his 14th pro-outing.
 
“I’m excited to finally step back into the ring,” said Rodriguez. “I cannot wait to fight in front of my home state fans. I’m looking forward to unifying in another weight division.
 
“I know Cafu is a tough opponent, but these kinds of fights bring out the best in me and I’ll be ready for whatever he brings. July 19th tune in and witness greatness.”
 
“This is awesome, man, because once again I get to step in with an elite fighter and prove the world wrong, showing people that I’m also an elite fighter,” said Cafu. “I’ve always wanted to fight him because people think he is the bogeyman of the division and say he is unbeatable, but I’ll prove to the people that no one is unbeatable. Beating him will put me on the pound-for-pound list, and I will be King of the division.”
 
“We’re proud to once again welcome the world of boxing to The Star in Frisco for what promises to be another unforgettable night,” said Stephen Jones, Chief Operating Officer, and Co-Owner of the Dallas Cowboys. “Hosting a fight of this magnitude between Bam Rodriguez and Phumelele Cafu reflects our continued commitment to bringing premier sporting events to our fans and community. We greatly value our ongoing partnership with Matchroom Boxing and are excited to help deliver another iconic event at The Star.”
 
The first undercard bout to be announced on the Bam-Cafu show is a big one, with the co-feature of the night pitting LA Super-Middleweight sensation Diego Pacheco faces Trevor McCumby.
 
Pacheco (23-0 18 KOs) is closing in on his first World title shot, and the #1 contender with the WBO will be aiming to add another scalp to his resume following an impressive showing in Las Vegas where he saw off Steven Nelson.
 
McCumby (28-1 21 KOs) will have other ideas though as the Arizonan looks to get back on track for a World title tilt of his own. The 32 year old floored former World ruler Caleb Plant in the fourth round of their clash in Las Vegas in September, but Plant would stop McCumby in the ninth round to claim the interim WBA strap.
 
“I’ve been working my entire life to get to this point in my career where im facing the best fighters in the world,” said Pacheco. “Ahora si ya empezó lo bueno y venimos con todo y por todo.”
 
“I’m very excited to be back,” said McCumby. “There’s a lot of hype behind my opponent, that I will put to rest. The world hasn’t seen the best Trevor McCumby and I plan show them come fight night #Tenacious.”
 
Hitchins (19-0 7 KOs) returns home to New York for the first defense of the title that he won with a clinical performance against Australian Liam Paro in Puerto Rico in December. The unbeaten 27 year old is back in the Big Apple for the first time since February 2023 where he dominated John Bauza, with his last two wins seeing his shut-out Jose Zepeda in Orlando in September 2023 before he set up his World title shot against Paro with victory in a final eliminator over Gustavo Lemos in Las Vegas last April.
 
Kambosos Jr (22-3 10 KOs) has very fond memories of the venue too, with the Australian returning to the scene of his greatest night, where he became the king at 140lbs by stunning Teofimo Lopez in November 2021. ‘Ferocious’ returned Down Under where he twice met Devin Haney in Melbourne before welcoming Vasiliy Lomachenko to Perth, with a victory over Maxi Hughes in Oklahoma. The 31 year old claimed the 22nd win of his pro career in March against Jake Wyllie in Sydney and will look to become a two-time World ruler against Hitchins.
 
“June 14, NY we are here baby!” said Hitchins. “The 140lb king returns home, headlining my first show at MSG, as a World champion. Just saying it aloud gives me chills. I dreamed of moments like this as a kid and now we are here.
 
“George Kambosos is not on my level. Never has been, never will be. He’s talked himself into this fight, and now he’s going to pay the price for running his mouth. He had the biggest win of his career and crowning moment in this building, and on June 14 I end his career in that same building.
 
“This is my time, my division, and I plan on putting on a spectacular performance and showing the world that I am one of the best fighters on the planet.”
 
“The stars align again, history always repeats, I head back to a place I created legacy at, a home where I may be regarded as an underdog again but a familiar place that i thrive in,” said Kambosos Jr.
 
“I stand 2-0 at Madison Square Garden, the world’s most famous arena, and on June 14, I will make it 3-0 when I rip Hitchins’ belt off him and break his will, take his heart and ruin his undefeated career.
 
“He has never been in a fight with a fighter like me, I have stepped to the absolute best, a resume unlike any. This is my 6th World title fight. I’ve built countless experience and at my new weight of 140 pounds I feel tremendous and very motivated to become a two-weight World champion.
 
“He likes to talk for a man that deep down hasn’t achieved much, so I look forward to taking him to a place he has never been and seeing how much of the talk is real and how much of it is fake like others in the past. See you June 14, Shitchins”
 
Before two blockbuster nights in America, two shows hit DAZN at the end of May. There’s a mouthwatering World title fight in Yokohama, Japan as Eduardo ‘Sugar’ Nunez and Masanori Rikiihsi clash for the vacant IBF World Super-Featherweight title at Yokohama Buntai, Yokohama on Wednesday May 28, live on DAZN in the UK, USA, Canada and throughout Europe.
 
Nunez (27-1 27 KOs) travels to the land of the Rising Sun for his first World title fight, as the Mexican knockout merchant and IBF #1 locks horns with Rikiishi (16-1 11 KOs) who himself is on a five-straight KO win tear.
 
Three days later, Matchroom return to Mexico on Friday May 30 as Manuel Gallegos and Khalil Coe clash in a rematch for the WBC USA Light-Heavyweight title at Arena Alcalde in Guadalajara, live worldwide on DAZN.
 
Gallegos (21-2-1 18 KOs) and Coe (9-1-1 7 KOs) first met in November in Philadelphia where the Mexican ripped the title from the New Jersey talent with a ninth-round stoppage, and they will tussle for the strap again next month, this time on the champions home turf.
 
Two hometown favorites are in action with Gabriel Valenzuela (30-4-1 17 KOs) fighting over ten rounds at Super-Lightweight and WBO Latino Bantamweight champion Christian Medina (24-4 17 KOs) kicking off the night on DAZN.
 
“This is another brilliant slate of fights on the home of boxing, DAZN,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Bam is a pound-for-pound superstar of the sport at such a young age, and he is primed to unify once again against a tough foe in Cafu, while it’s another big showcase for Diego to underline his readiness to face the World rulers.
 
“Richardson was fantastic against Liam in Puerto Rico but now the hunter becomes the hunted, and George is returning to the scene of his greatest triumph to rip up the script against New York’s only World champion.
 
“I cannot wait to be in Japan to see the vicious ‘Sugar’ Nunez claim the World title against Rikiihsi and then head to Mexico for a pivotal night in the career of Khalil Coe, as he rematches Gallegos.”
 

LAS VEGAS – January 24, 2025 – Undefeated Super-Middleweight Diego Pacheco and his opponent, fellow undefeated contender Steven “So Cold” Nelson, met one last time for their official weigh in at the OPM Theater at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas today ahead of their clash on the Matchroom card at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas on Saturday, January 25, live worldwide on DAZN.

WBO No. 1-ranked contender Pacheco (22-0, 18 KOs), who is trained by Jose Benavidez, is also ranked No. 3 at 168-pounds by the WBC and No. 6 with the IBF. Fresh off a statement victory in August against former world title challenger Maciej Sulecki in his hometown of Los Angeles, Calif., he will be headlining his sixth show in a row and fighting for the second time in Las Vegas. His opponent, Nelson, (20-0, 16 KOs) has been hunting a big fight and now gets the chance to derail Pacheco’s rise to the top and move himself into a top position. The 36-year-old last tasted action in August in Los Angeles with a fifth-round stoppage win over Marcos Rodriguez on the undercard of his good friend and fellow Omaha fighter, Terence Crawford.

Pacheco and Nelson were joined by the rest of the undercard. Please see below for the official weights ahead of tomorrow’s event.

MAIN EVENT: WBO INTERNATIONAL & WBC USA SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLES – 

12 ROUNDS

Diego Pacheco                       vs.                   Steven Nelson

Los Angeles, California                                  Omaha, Nebraska

22-0 (18 KOs)                                                20-0 (16 KOs) 

166.4 LBS                                                      168 LBS

CO-MAIN EVENT: IBF INTERNATIONAL & WBA CONTINENTAL AMERICAS LIGHTWEIGHT TITLES – 10 ROUNDS

Andy Cruz                               vs.                   Omar Salcido

Matanzas, Cuba                                             Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico 

4-0 (2 KOs)                                                    19-1 (x KOs)

134.8 LBS                                                      134.8 LBS

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT – 10 ROUNDS 

Ernesto Mercado                    vs.                   Jose Pedraza 

Pomona, California                                         Caguas, Puerto Rico

16-1-1 (15 KOs)                                             29-6-1 (14 KOs)

142.4 LBS                                                      143 LBS  

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT – 8 ROUNDS

Leonardo Rubalcava              vs.                   Israel Mercado

Jalisco, Mexico                                               Pomona, California

9-0 (3 KOs)                                                     11-1-1 (7 KOs)

141 LBS                                                          141 LBS

SUPER WELTERWEIGHT BOUT – 6 ROUNDS

Nishant Dev                            vs.                   Alton Wiggins

Pro Debut                                                        1-0 

Haryana, India                                                Oakland, California 

155.8 LBS                                                       156.4 LBS

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT – 6 ROUNDS

Harley Mederos                                  vs.      Arturo De Isla

Brooklyn, New York                                        Nuevo León, México

7-0 (6 KOs)                                                 5-2-1 (4 KOs)

134.4 LBS                                                      135.6 LBS 

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT – 4 ROUNDS

Zaquin Moses                         vs.                   Mario Garcia

1-0                                                                   3-0 (3 KOs)

Newark, New Jersey                                       Cancun, Mexico

130.4 LBS                                                       137.4 LBS       

ABOUT PACHECO VS. NELSON:

Undefeated super-middleweight and WBO No. 1-ranked contender Diego Pacheco will face fellow undefeated contender Steven Nelson in a 12-round, 168-pound bout, headlining the 2025 Matchroom Boxing and DAZN kickoff fight card in the United States. The event will take place at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas on Saturday, January 25, and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN. In the co-main event, Cuban Olympic Gold Medalist Andy Cruz takes on Omar Salcido in a 10-round lightweight bout for the IBF International and WBA Continental Latin American titles. The undercard also features unbeaten super-lightweight Ernesto ‘Tito’ Mercado making his Matchroom debut against former two-time world champion Jose Pedraza in a 10-round super-lightweight bout. The DAZN broadcast will kick off with young Matchroom talent Leonardo Rubalcava facing Californian Israel Mercado in an eight-round super-lightweight contest. Additionally, newly signed Matchroom talent, Indian Olympian Nishant Dev, will make his professional debut, headlining the Before the Bell livestream action, which also includes another Matchroom signing, Zaquin Moses, in his second professional bout, and unbeaten lightweight Harley Mederos, who will face Arturo de Isla in Mederos’ first fight since signing a promotional deal with Matchroom.

ABOUT THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is a unique luxury resort and casino that offers a decidedly different perspective. Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, The Cosmopolitan’s distinct vertical multi-tower design features more than 3,000 guestrooms with residential living spaces, private terraces, and breathtaking views of the city skyline. Luxury amenities include a premier lineup of world-class culinary experiences; an intriguing mix of bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues; 100,000-square-foot-casino; award-winning spa, salon and fitness center; unrivaled pool district and an eclectic line-up of hand-selected boutiques. For more information visit: cosmopolitanlasvegas.com and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Undefeated Super-Middleweight Diego Pacheco and his opponent, fellow undefeated contender Steven “So Cold” Nelson, met at the Final Press Conference at the OPM Theater at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas today ahead of their clash on the Matchroom card at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas on Saturday, January 25, live worldwide on DAZN.

WBO No. 1-ranked contender Pacheco (22-0, 18 KOs), who is trained by Jose Benavidez, is also ranked No. 3 at 168-pounds by the WBC and No. 6 with the IBF. Fresh off a statement victory in August against former world title challenger Maciej Sulecki in his hometown of Los Angeles, Calif., he will be headlining his sixth show in a row and fighting for the second time in Las Vegas. His opponent, Nelson, (20-0, 16 KOs) has been hunting a big fight and now gets the chance to derail Pacheco’s rise to the top and move himself into a top position. The 36-year-old last tasted action in August in Los Angeles with a fifth-round stoppage win over Marcos Rodriguez on the undercard of his good friend and fellow Omaha fighter, Terence Crawford.

Pacheco and Nelson were joined by the rest of the undercard. This is what they said ahead of their respective fights on Saturday:

DIEGO PACHECO

“I’m more than ready for this test and I know Steven Nelson is a great fighter with a great team. I want to thank him for taking this fight and taking this amazing opportunity for both of us as we look to get to the next level. I come from the trenches too so it’s going to be a fight. We are going to put on a great fight for the fans and the best man will win.

“I definitely can win and feel like ever since I was 10 years old I’ve been training hard nonstop, never taking any breaks. Boxing is my passion and I have the talent, the physical attributes combined with my hard work. It’s a given for me to be here and something I’ve dreamed about as a kid to be headlining events and now I’m here. It’s a dream come true and I’m not letting up and backing down from nobody. I made my other opponents look easy when I won and this is going to be a great fight on Saturday.” 

STEVEN NELSON

“I’m ready to go and everyone has seen an OK version of me. I’ve never been this focused or worked this hard or been this determined for nothing in my life and it will show on Saturday. Diego is 23 and can take a loss and bounce back. I’m 36 from Omaha, Nebraska, and been through hell to get here and not just in boxing. I’ve been through everything and I can’t afford to lose so if you think I’m going into this fight to lay down I’m not. He can make it hard or easy, but I’m not losing or backing down. 

“This victory would be life-changing for my family and I’m not fighting for myself. I’m fighting for a whole community of people. I’m fighting for people who didn’t get the opportunities but have the talent in and outside of boxing. It’s not personal or business, it’s destiny and God’s plan, this is part of the story. I promise I will beat him on Saturday.” 

JOSE BENAVIDEZ SR. (DIEGO PACHECO TRAINER)

“I know this is a hard test for us. We train very hard, and we’ve been working with Diego now for quite a while. He’s improving every time, but we also need to make a statement. I know that Diego is ready to take over the 168 division, and Saturday everyone will see the new face of boxing.

“Nelson is the type of fighter that our team needs to go to the next level. I think Diego Pacheco has shown little by little, and has improved with every fight. We’re not going to stop now.”

BRIAN MCINTYRE (STEVEN NELSON’S TRAINER)

“They are both great fighters and Diego has a great trainer but what makes Steven a little bit different is probably that IQ and that will and determination. Diego is young and a fabulous boxer, but he’s just got to wait his turn.”

EDDIE HEARN

“The big fights keep on coming. Earlier today we announced the big one, the best fighter at 147 pounds, Jaron “Boots” Ennis will take on Stanionis for the IBF, WBA, and Ring Magazine Championship April 12th at boardwalk hall. A few minutes later it was announced by his excellency that Conor Benn will fight Chris Eubank Jr April 26th in front of 70,000 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. One thing that I’m so proud of at the moment is the young talent coming through from Matchroom. So much great young talent is here on display.

“I love this fight, it’s a real world class matchup. Diego Pacheco, a young man who a lot of people are talking about him as the future of the division against Steven Nelson who I am delighted to get this opportunity. I think he has grinded away for a long time. As I said, this is a real fight.”

ANDY CRUZ

“I am ready to put on a great show and I don’t talk much outside of the ring as I like to do my talking inside it. Everyone is a good swimmer when they aren’t in the water but I look forward to Saturday night.

“This is a step up in my career and my full focus is on my fight against a Mexican fighter and a warrior. I have prepared very well for this and I will show what I can do in the ring.” 

OMAR SALCIDO

“Andy is a great amateur fighter but we have been working really hard these last few months and have a plan to get this victory.”

ERNESTO MERCADO

“This isn’t a step up for me. That guy doesn’t know what he’s talking about. I’m going to go over there and knock him out, and then I’m going to call out the names I’ve been wanting. Shakur for example. Keyshawn [Davis] can get it too. Saturday night I’m going to go over there and do my thing and put this guy out.

“I feel like this is going to be the fight of the night. He has experience, but he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Every time he stepped up and fought good fighters he hasn’t been able to pull the trigger. I’m about to do the same thing. I’m going to beat him up in a better way than Keyshawn did, and show you all what’s up.” 

JOSE PEDRAZA

“My previous fight didn’t go well but now I feel like I’m better physically, mentally and spiritually in order to perform well. I have to take what God gives me despite the setbacks I’ve had and we will continue to work hard.

“This might be a step up for Tito, but it’s not a step up for me. Each step up that I’ve had in my career I’ve managed to complete them. My goal is now to become a three-time World Champion in three different weight classes. I will continue to train and hope to achieve that goal. I will show what I can do in the ring and there’s no point in continuing to listen to Tito and expand his ego at all. I will do my talking in the ring.”

NISHANT DEV

“It’s a dream to sign with Matchroom Boxing, I’m so excited to perform in my pro debut. I’m ready to show who I am and what I’m capable of. I believe in myself, India believes in me, my family believes in me. I’m ready to show on Saturday night who I am.

“I am ready for Saturday. I have been training for three months and now is the time for me to shine like a diamond.” 

ZAQUIN MOSES

“I’m ready to do what I do best and have fun on Saturday. Every fighter should feel better than what they did last time out and should focus on progressing on each and every fight. I’m going to show that I’m getting better each time.”

ABOUT PACHECO VS. NELSON:

Undefeated super-middleweight and WBO No. 1-ranked contender Diego Pacheco will face fellow undefeated contender Steven Nelson in a 12-round, 168-pound bout, headlining the 2025 Matchroom Boxing and DAZN kickoff fight card in the United States. The event will take place at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas on Saturday, January 25, and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN. In the co-main event, Cuban Olympic Gold Medalist Andy Cruz takes on Omar Salcido in a 10-round lightweight bout for the IBF International and WBA Continental Latin American titles. The undercard also features unbeaten super-lightweight Ernesto ‘Tito’ Mercado making his Matchroom debut against former two-time world champion Jose Pedraza in a 10-round super-lightweight bout. The DAZN broadcast will kick off with young Matchroom talent Leonardo Rubalcava facing Californian Israel Mercado in an eight-round super-lightweight contest. Additionally, newly signed Matchroom talent, Indian Olympian Nishant Dev, will make his professional debut, headlining the Before the Bell livestream action, which also includes another Matchroom signing, Zaquin Moses, in his second professional bout, and unbeaten lightweight Harley Mederos, who will face Arturo de Isla in Mederos’ first fight since signing a promotional deal with Matchroom.

ABOUT THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is a unique luxury resort and casino that offers a decidedly different perspective. Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, The Cosmopolitan’s distinct vertical multi-tower design features more than 3,000 guestrooms with residential living spaces, private terraces and breathtaking views of the city skyline. Luxury amenities include a premier lineup of world-class culinary experiences; an intriguing mix of bars, nightclubs and entertainment venues; 100,000-square-foot-casino; award-winning spa, salon and fitness center; unrivaled pool district and an eclectic line-up of hand-selected boutiques. For more information visit: cosmopolitanlasvegas.com and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Diego Pacheco is planning to kick-off a big 2025 in style when he defends his USWBC and WBO International Super-Middleweight titles against Steven Nelson at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas on Saturday January 25, live worldwide on DAZN – with Cuban Olympic star Andy Cruz taking on Omar Salcido and Ernesto Mercado facing Jose Pedraza on his Matchroom debut.

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Pacheco (22-0 18 KOs) is closing in on World title action as the #1 ranked contender with the WBO and sitting pretty at #3 in the WBC and #4 with the IBF. The LA star headlines for the sixth show in a row and for the second time in Las Vegas, where he saw off Shawn McCalman on points in April, before returning to his home turf in August to record his 18th win inside the distance with a sickening body shot KO win over Maciej Sulecki – performances that further bolstered his standing as one of the hottest talents in the game, which was confirmed by ESPN ranking Pacheco #2 in their list of the top fighters under 25, second only to pound-for-pound star and stablemate Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez.

The 23 year old headlines the US portion of a boxing marathon on DAZN on Saturday night, which is led by Sheffield star Dalton Smith in Nottingham, England, before Pacheco once again finds himself in the spotlight, a place where he is feeling more and more at home.

“I love being on the first big fight night of the year for DAZN with this boxing marathon from the UK and Las Vegas,” said Pacheco. “I’ve been fighting for six years as a professional and I’m 22-0 and I’m 23 years old. I feel I’m stepping into my prime now without being afraid of taking on the biggest challenges. I hope fans enjoy watching DP 2025.”

“It excites me to look ahead to the next 12 months. I have a lot of hunger to keep working and keep preparing for these new challenges like the one on January 25. That’s basically it – just lock in and be ready for the new year and whatever challenge comes my way.

“I feel that after putting on a great performance with Steven Nelson on January 25, I’ll be closer to fighting for a world title. Obviously, Canelo has three of the belts, and [William] Scull has the other belt. Either one who’d like to give me the opportunity – that’d be amazing. Who will be the one that is going to give me the challenge? I don’t know, but hopefully, this year, I get to fight for a World title. I’m turning 24 this year and I think this is the right time. I feel that now I have amassed the strength. I’m more focused than ever, and I’m ready.”

Pacheco’s clash with Nelson tops a stacked card in Las Vegas, where in the co-main event, Cuban Olympic Gold medalist Cruz takes on Salcido in a 10-round Lightweight bout for the IBF International and WBA Continental Latin American titles. Mercado makes his Matchroom debut against former two-time World champion Pedraza in a 10-round Super-Lightweight bout.

Young Matchroom talent Leonardo Rubalcava facing Californian Israel Mercado in an eight-round Super-Lightweight contest. Additionally, newly signed Matchroom talent, Indian Olympian Nishant Dev, will make his professional debut, headlining the Before the Bell action, which also includes another Matchroom signing, Zaquin Moses, in his second professional bout, and unbeaten Lightweight Harley Mederos, who will face Arturo de Isla in Mederos’ first fight since signing a promotional deal with Matchroom.

ABOUT THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is a unique luxury resort and casino that offers a decidedly different perspective. Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, The Cosmopolitan’s distinct vertical multi-tower design features more than 3,000 guestrooms with residential living spaces, private terraces and breathtaking views of the city skyline. Luxury amenities include a premier lineup of world-class culinary experiences; an intriguing mix of bars, nightclubs and entertainment venues; 100,000-square-foot-casino; award-winning spa, salon and fitness center; unrivaled pool district and an eclectic line-up of hand-selected boutiques. For more information visit: cosmopolitanlasvegas.com and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

AS VEGAS – Friday, January 17 – Undefeated Super-Middleweight Diego Pacheco held a media workout at Artist Boxing Gym and Fitness in Las Vegas yesterday, ahead of his clash with fellow undefeated fighter, Steven “So Cold” Nelson, on the Matchroom card at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas on Saturday, January 25, live worldwide on DAZN.

WBO No. 1-ranked contender Pacheco (22-0, 18 KOs), who is trained by Jose Benavidez, is also ranked No. 3 at 168-pounds by the WBC and No. 6 with the IBF. Fresh off a statement victory in August against former world title challenger Maciej Sulecki in his hometown of Los Angeles, Calif., he will be headlining his sixth show in a row and fighting for the second time in Las Vegas. His opponent, Nelson, (20-0, 16 KOs) has been hunting a big fight and now gets the chance to derail Pacheco’s rise to the top and move himself into a top position. The 36-year-old last tasted action in August in Los Angeles with a fifth-round stoppage win over Marcos Rodriguez on the undercard of his good friend and fellow Omaha fighter, Terence Crawford.

This is what Pacheco had to say ahead of his fight next week:

On looking ahead to 2025…

“It excites me to look ahead to the next 12 months. I have a lot of hunger to keep working and keep preparing for these new challenges like the one on January 25. That’s basically it–just lock in and be ready for the new year and whatever challenge comes my way. 

On Steven Nelson, his opponent next week…

“I know Steven Nelson from being one of Terence Crawford’s fighters. I know he’s from Omaha, Nebraska, and that he is 36 years old. That’s pretty much it. For me, he’s just another opponent. I’m coming in to knock him out on January 25th.”

On how it feels to fight someone heavily backed by Terence Crawford…

“It makes it a fun fight. Having a top pound-for-pound fighter like Crawford in your corner is always a good thing, but he can’t get in there and fight for him. He can be a good cheerleader on the sidelines, but that is pretty much it.”

On Steven Nelson’s experience in big shows and confidence on a big card…

“I feel that the Crawford-Madrimov pay-per-view was a great experience for him, and maybe that sense of confidence made him think that he was ready for someone like me. But on January 25, he’s going to have a big surprise, and he’s going to find out he’s not ready to face someone like me. He’s never been in the ring with a fighter like me. On January 25th, I’m looking forward to another great night.”

On his world title shot…

“I feel that after putting on a great performance with Steven Nelson on January 25, I’ll be closer to fighting for a world title. Obviously, Canelo has three of the belts, and [William] Scull has the other belt. Either one who’d like to give me the opportunity–-that’d be amazing. Who will be the one that is going to give me the challenge? I don’t know, but hopefully, this year, I get to fight for a world title. I’m turning 24 this year and I think this is the right time. I feel that now I have amassed the strength. I’m more focused than ever, and I’m ready.”

ABOUT PACHECO VS. NELSON:

Undefeated super-middleweight and WBO No. 1-ranked contender Diego Pacheco will face fellow undefeated contender Steven Nelson in a 12-round, 168-pound bout, headlining the 2025 Matchroom Boxing and DAZN kickoff fight card in the United States. The event will take place at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas on Saturday, January 25, and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN. In the co-main event, Cuban Olympic Gold Medalist Andy Cruz takes on Omar Salcido in a 10-round lightweight bout for the IBF International and WBA Continental Latin American titles. The undercard also features unbeaten, super-lightweight Ernesto ‘Tito’ Mercado making his Matchroom debut against former two-time world champion Jose Pedraza in a 10-round super-lightweight bout. The DAZN broadcast will kick off with young Matchroom talent Leonardo Rubalcava facing Californian Israel Mercado in an eight-round super-lightweight contest. Additionally, newly signed Matchroom talent, Indian Olympian Nishant Dev, will make his professional debut, headlining the Before the Bell livestream action, which also includes another Matchroom signing, Zaquin Moses, in his second professional bout, and unbeaten lightweight Harley Mederos, who will face Arturo de Isla in Mederos’ first fight since signing a promotional deal with Matchroom.

ABOUT THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS:

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is a unique luxury resort and casino that offers a decidedly different perspective. Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, The Cosmopolitan’s distinct vertical multi-tower design features more than 3,000 guestrooms with residential living spaces, private terraces and breathtaking views of the city skyline. Luxury amenities include a premier lineup of world-class culinary experiences; an intriguing mix of bars, nightclubs and entertainment venues; 100,000-square-foot-casino; award-winning spa, salon and fitness center; unrivaled pool district and an eclectic line-up of hand-selected boutiques. For more information visit: cosmopolitanlasvegas.com and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Diego Pacheco will defend his USWBC and WBO International Super-Middleweight titles against Steven Nelson at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Saturday, January 25, live worldwide on DAZN – with Cuban Olympic star Andy Cruz taking on Omar Salcido and Ernesto Mercado facing Jose Pedraza on his Matchroom debut.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM
Pacheco (22-0 18 KOs) is closing in on World title action as the #1 ranked contender with the WBO and sitting pretty at #3 in the WBC and #4 with the IBF. The LA star headlines for the sixth show in a row and for the second time in Las Vegas, where he saw off Shawn McCalman on points in April, before returning to his home turf in August to record his 18th win inside the distance with a sickening body shot KO win over Maciej Sulecki – performances that further bolstered his standing as one of the hottest talents in the game, which was confirmed by ESPN ranking Pacheco #2 in their list of the top fighters under 25, second only to pound-for-pound star and stablemate Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez.

Nelson (20-0 16 KOs) has been hunting a big fight and now gets the chance to derail Pacheco’s rise to the top and move himself into the great position that his young foe has reached. The 36 year old last tasted action in August in Los Angeles with a fifth-round stoppage win over Marcos Rodriguez on the undercard of his good friend and fellow Omaha fighter, Terence Crawford.

“I’m very excited to be back in the ring early 2025 against another undefeated opponent –the DP show continues,” said Pacheco.

“This is the type of fight I been wanting so I can show the world who I am,” said Nelson.

Like Pacheco, Cruz and Mercado are targeting World title action in 2025, and they can lay down an early marker to land the big fights in crunch clashes against Salcido and Pedraza respectively.

Cruz (4-0 2 KOs) is ranked #4 with the WBA and the IBF at 135lbs and will be knocking on the door for a World title shot even louder if he can claim a fifth win in the pro ranks in Sin City. The 2020 Olympic gold medal man picked up a pair of impressive wins in 2024, first locking out Brayan Zamarripa over ten rounds in Orlando in February and then recording his second win inside the distance with a seventh-round stoppage of Antonio Moran in Los Angeles in August.

The fifth man to try to halt Cruz’s progress is Mexican Salcido (20-1 14 KOs). Salcido will enter the bout full of confidence after stopping Chris Colbert in the ninth round of their clash in Florida in October, and the 24 year old can add an even more impressive scalp to his resume in the shape of Cruz.

“January 25 is another opportunity for me to showcase my talent to the world and shine,” said Cruz. “This is another test on my journey to becoming a World champion where all the effort and dedication will be put to the test. All my training and sacrifice has brought me here. When I enter the ring, I am not only fighting my opponent. I am challenging my own limits as I aim for greatness.”

“First and foremost, I would like to thank God, Matchroom and my team for this great opportunity,” said Salcido. “I am working hard, camp is going great, I am preparing mentally and physically for a war.

“Andy Cruz is a talented fighter; however, I am up for the challenge. I know the importance of this fight, a win over Cruz will be huge and will open many great opportunities for me. I dedicate this fight to my family and all the boxing fans that will be watching on DAZN.”

Mercado (16-0 15 KOs) gets a second chance to make his Matchroom debut in Las Vegas, as his planned bow under Eddie Hearn in Philadelphia was axed after his opponent blew the weight. ‘Tito’ will be eager to make up for lost time, and after landing three KO wins from three fights in 2024, the 23 year old will look to kick off his 2025 in style against the Puerto Rican.

Former two-weight World ruler Pedraza (29-6-1 14 KOs) boasts an enviable CV littered with great names, and the 35 year old will be looking to use all that experience to derail Mercado’s progress. ‘Sniper’ held the IBF Super-Featherweight title from 2015 to 2017 and the WBO Lightweight crown in 2018 and having shared the ring with modern greats like Vasiliy Lomachenko and Gervonta Davis, Pedraza will be out to prove he still has ambitions at the very top level.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring and even more now that I’m facing former world champion Jose Pedraza on January 25 in Las Vegas,” said Mercado. “Don’t miss it because I’m going to knock his bald-headed ass out in a way you have never seen before!”

“I’m really happy to return to what I’m passionate about: boxing,” said Pedraza. “I’m grateful for this opportunity that Matchroom have given me to face a young, top-quality fighter. I’ll show the world that I’m at a stage where there’s still a lot of fight in me to become a world champion once again.

“I’ve never turned down any opponent. All of them have been elite fighters and this time will not be the exception. Ernesto has the same hunger I had at his age but it’s the same for both of us because this fight can decide his future. If he beats me, he’ll move on and chase his dream, but I also have that hunger in me. I have to win to get that shot to become a three-weight world champion.

“On 25 January in Las Vegas the fans will enjoy a fight where a young fighter looks to beat me, a fighter with a great résumé but he will fail. Mercado will have to wait a bit longer and I still remember the message he sent to me. I’ll use it as a great source of motivation and let him know that we were made in Puerto Rico.”

“This is a hugely important night for three of our World champions in waiting,” said Hearn. “Diego and Andy are right on the cusp of World title action, and Tito wants all the big names at 140lbs and wants to move quickly – so all three of them have to be on point against hungry and dangerous opponents on January 25.”

Further additions to the undercard will be announced soon.

ABOUT THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is a unique luxury resort and casino that offers a decidedly different perspective. Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, The Cosmopolitan’s distinct vertical multi-tower design features more than 3,000 guestrooms with residential living spaces, private terraces and breathtaking views of the city skyline. Luxury amenities include a premier lineup of world-class culinary experiences; an intriguing mix of bars, nightclubs and entertainment venues; 100,000-square-foot-casino; award-winning spa, salon and fitness center; unrivaled pool district and an eclectic line-up of hand-selected boutiques. For more information visit: cosmopolitanlasvegas.com and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

ALEX GUECHE (115.8lbs) ???????vs.           ????DAVID VARGAS (116lbs)

Long Beach, California ?????????????????????Durango, Mexico

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest

CRIZTEC BAZALDUA (140lbs) ????vs.           ????KYLE ERWIN (140.8lbs)

Los Angeles, California                                            ??? Oceanside, California

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Welterweight contest

FABIAN ROJO (145.8lbs)           ????vs.           ???ALEJANDRO FRIAS (146.4lbs)

Phoenix, Arizona                                               ??????Tepic Nayarit, Mexico

LIVE ON DAZN FROM 4.30 p.m.

10 x 2 mins WBC Interim Super-Flyweight title

ADELAIDA RUIZ (113.6lbs)     ????vs.           ???GINNY FUCHS (114.4lbs)

Los Angeles, California                               ???????Houston, Texas

Followed by

10 x 3 mins WBA Intercontinental Cruiserweight title

CHEV CLARKE (199.8lbs)        ??????vs.           EFETOBOR APOCHI (199.2lbs)

Kent, England                                                      ?????Houston, Texas

Followed by

10 x 3 mins WBC Continental Americas Super-Bantamweight title

ARTURO CARDENAS (121.2lbs)          vs.           JESUS ARECHIGA (122lbs)

Michoacán, Mexico                                                        Sinaloa, Mexico

Followed by

10 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest

EDUARDO NUNEZ (133lbs)   ??????vs.           MIGUEL MARRIAGA (131.8lbs)

Sinaloa, Mexico                                                  ????Arjona, California

Followed by

12 x 3 mins USWBC and WBO International Super-Middleweight titles

DIEGO PACHECO (168lbs)   ????? vs.  ??????MACIEJ SULECKI (167.4lbs)

Los Angeles, California                               ???????Warsaw, Poland/Brooklyn, New York

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.

Diego Pacheco believes he is ready to take on the biggest names in the Super-Middleweight division – but knows he has to see off Maciej Sulecki in style first on Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Los Angeles, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FROM AXS.COM

Pacheco (21-0 17 KOs) is knocking loudly at the door for World title action, sitting at #1 in the WBO and #4 with the WBC and IBF, and defeating Sulecki (32-2 12 KOs) will only bolster his credentials to land a marquee fight.

The 23 year old is fully focused on his toughest test to date, but identified three names that he would like to face next in Christian Mbilli, Edgar Berlanga and Erik Bazinyan – and facing them is the next step in Pacheco’s five-year plan to dominate the Super-Middleweight division.

“A win gets me that step closer,” said Pacheco. “If I can do that, it hopefully gets me a fight with someone that’s in the top ten with me, and then become mandatory for one of the titles and next year, get that World title shot. I don’t feel like I have to show anything in particular. People have already seen that I can knock people out, that I can hurt people to the body, I can drop guys with uppercuts, hurt them with jabs. It’s more just getting the win and looking good, that’s what I train for, there’s no added pressure.

“There’s Mbilli, Berlanga, Bazinyan; there’s a lot of good fighters out there that I would face and I’m ready for any of them. It’s hard for those guys to fight me because they think I’m just a young kid who hasn’t done much in the sport. But one fight at a time it’s getting to the point where they can’t deny me anymore and those fights will have to be made, and I have a promoter in Eddie Hearn and Matchroom who gets those fights lined up, so in due time I’ll be mixing it up with them all. 

“I think in five years from now I’ll be ruling the 168lb division, unifying it and ultimately becoming undisputed, that’s my goal. I want to dominate, keep the momentum going, keep knocking guys out and keep entertaining the fans.”

Pacheco’s clash with Sulecki tops a stacked card in Los Angeles, where Super-Featherweight KO artist Eduardo ‘Sugar’ Nunez (27-1 27 KOs) faces former World title challenger Miguel Marriaga (31-7 26 KOs).

There’s an all-Mexican war as Arturo Cardenas (14-0-1 8 KOs) defends his Continental Americas Super-Bantamweight title against Jesus Arechiga (21-1 15 KOs), Britain’s Chev ‘C4’ Clarke (9-0 7 KOs) makes his American debut against Efetobor Apochi (12-2 12 KOs) and the action on DAZN begins with an interim World title clash, as Adelaida Ruiz (16-0-1 8 KOs) defends her WBC Super-Flyweight title against Ginny Fuchs (3-0 1 KOs).

Recent Matchroom signing Fabian ‘Zurdo’ Rojo (9-0 7 KOs) meets Alejandro Frias (15-10-2 7 KOs) over six rounds at Welterweight, Criztec Bazaldua (5-0 1 KOs) faces Kyle Erwin (7-2 3 KOs) over six rounds at Super-Lightweight, and Alex Gueche (5-0 5 KOs) kicking off the night over six rounds at Bantamweight against David Vargas (8-4-2 5 KOs).

# # # 

ABOUT PACHECO VS. SULECKI:

Super middleweight sensation Diego Pacheco is headlining for the second time in his hometown of Los Angeles and taking on Poland’s former world title challenger Maciej Sulecki in Matchroom Boxing first ever show at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, Calif., on Saturday August 31, live worldwide on DAZN. 

Tickets for the event are still available for purchase at axs.com. For more information visit www.matchroomboxing.com and follow #PachecoSulecki and Matchroom Boxing on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

Chev Clarke believes Diego Pacheco’s fans will become fans of him as he prepares face Efetobor Apochi for the IBF International and WBA Intercontinental Cruiserweight titles on Saturday night (August 31) at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Los Angeles, live worldwide on DAZN.

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Clarke (9-0 7 KOs) fights in America for the first time as a pro against Apochi (12-2 12 KOs), with the big-hitting Brit taking his focus away from winning the British title outright to deal with the dangerous Nigerian first.

‘C4’ always wants to get business done early, but this time he has added incentives, to make use he’s back out to watch Pacheco face Sulecki in the main event, and to do so in devastating fashion to make Pacheco’s fans into his own.

“Diego Pacheco is a BAD MAN,” said Clarke. “When I see him fight, he is cold! To be sharing the card with him is great. I rate him very highly, he’s special. The way he puts his combinations together is class, he’s a quality operator. I’m excited to watch him in person applying his craft.

“He’s got a bright future no doubt. He’s a great boxer, I can see him at the top of the 168lbs division in time for sure.

“If you like Diego Pacheco, you’ll definitely like me. He’s explosive, he maneuvers around the ring well and puts his shots together nicely, we’re similar fighters! Diego’s fans are going to love me.

“We’re in a different weight class and our stature is different but as entertainers go, we’re similar. We’ll have you hooked! You will definitely want to tune in because you’re getting two for the price of one on Saturday.”

Clarke’s clash with Apochi is part of a big night of action in Los Angeles, topped by Super-Middleweight stud Pacheco locking horns with Sulecki.

Super-Featherweight KO artist Eduardo ‘Sugar’ Nunez (27-1 27 KOs) faces former World title challenger Miguel Marriaga (31-7 26 KOs) in the co-main event, and there’s an all-Mexican war as Arturo Cardenas (14-0-1 8 KOs) defends his Continental Americas Super-Bantamweight title against Jesus Arechiga (21-1 15 KOs), and the action on DAZN begins with an interim World title clash, as Adelaida Ruiz (16-0-1 8 KOs) defends her WBC Super-Flyweight title against Ginny Fuchs (3-0 1 KOs).

Recent Matchroom signing Fabian ‘Zurdo’ Rojo (9-0 7 KOs) meets Alejandro Frias (15-10-2 7 KOs) over six rounds at Welterweight, Criztec Bazaldua (5-0 1 KOs) faces Kyle Erwin (7-2 3 KOs) over six rounds at Super-Lightweight, and Alex Gueche (5-0 5 KOs) kicking off the night over six rounds at Bantamweight against David Vargas (8-4-2 5 KOs).

Diego Pacheco is thrilled to be headlining in Los Angeles once again, as he completes his training camp in his new home of Seattle before heading to California to take on Maciej Sulecki at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Los Angeles on Saturday August 31, live worldwide on DAZN.

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Pacheco (21-0 17 KOs) first topped a bill in LA in November where he knocked Marcelo Coceres out in the ninth round at YouTube Theater in Inglewood, successfully defending the USWBC and WBO International Super-Middleweight titles that he puts on the line against former World title challenger Sulecki (32-2 12 KOs).

It will be a fifth outing in Los Angeles for Pacheco, and he’ll step through the ropes at the vaunted ‘War Grounds’ venue for a second time having boxed over four rounds there in his sixth pro fight back in September 2019.

The 23 year old has now settled into a new life in Seattle with his young family, having first relocated his training camps there with trainer Jose Benavidez at the start of 2022, but Los Angeles will always be his home, and fighting there is something that Pacheco wants to keep doing as his knocks at the door of World title action get louder and louder.

“It was an amazing feeling to be able to headline at home at just 22 years old at YouTube Theater,” said Pacheco. “That was a great experience, and I came out with a ninth round KO against a good opponent. The fans really enjoyed the night, so did I, and this time we’re doing it again in Carson with the same objective, to put on a great show and get another KO victory.

“From the beginning of my career when I was 18 I got to open up some big shows for some great champions in LA, I boxed at the Staples Center, at The Forum and in Carson, and then headlined at YouTube Theater. That night was amazing, everyone came out to support me so to be doing it again at a higher level is great, I’m looking forward to showcasing my skills again and it is going to be another great turnout. 

“It’s amazing to think I was at Dignity Health opening the show as a young prospect and now I’m headlining a show here with young fighters on my undercard. It’s a great feeling having fighters look up to me and be one of the best fighters right now from LA. I love hearing ‘from Los Angeles, California’ when I’m being announced, and I always want to represent the city well.

“I’d just turned 18 the first time I boxed at Dignity Health. I had a lot of family and friends there supporting me and I delivered a first round knockout, the love I got was amazing and every time I fight in LA it’s the same, so I can’t wait for August 31.

“I was just a kid then, I was new to the pro ranks, no headgear, the spotlight, doing interviews, everything. Now I feel like I have more experience, I’m a father now, so there’s a lot of things that come into play that will benefit me in my career. I’m stronger and faster, and just a lot better than I was then. I’m excited to show the fans that as I’m getting older, I’m getting better, I’m getting stronger, and I’m looking forward to delivering once again.

“I love being in Seattle, I think it’s the perfect place to raise a family and also do my training camps and stay locked in and focused. When I come to LA now it’s for business or to see my family, I feel comfortable here in Seattle, I love it and I don’t see myself going anywhere else, but I will always love fighting in Los Angeles.

“Before starting my family in Seattle, I was on my own and I didn’t have any responsibilities, nothing to think about, I just did what I wanted to do. I was young and reckless a little bit, but now I’ve calmed down a lot, I’m more focused, I get my rest, and I feel amazing. I look at life very differently now, I have my family, I have people who depend on me and that’s extra motivation to get where I want to get to.”

6 x 3 mins Welterweight contest
Harley Mederos (134.6lbs) vs Pedro Vicente (134.8lbs)
Brooklyn, New York            Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

Followed by
6 x 3 mins Super-Flyweight contest
Steven Navarro (115.6lbs) vs Jose Lopez (114.8lbs)
Los Angeles, California       Puebla, Mexico/Ridgewood, New York

LIVE ON DAZN FROM 5PM PT

10 x 3 mins WBC Continental Americas Super-Featherweight title
Marc Castro (130lbs) vs Abraham Montoya (129lbs)
Fresno, California                Baja California, Mexico

Followed by
10 x 2 mins WBC World Featherweight title
Skye Nicolson (125.6lbs) vs Sarah Mahfoud (125lbs)
Queensland, Australia           Hilleroed, Denmark

Followed by 
10 x 3 mins WBC International Flyweight title
Galal Yafai (111.6lbs) vs Agustin Gauto (111.2lbs)
Birmingham, England         Buenos Aires, Argentina

Followed by
10 x 3 mins WBO International & USWBC Super-Middleweight titles
Diego Pacheco (167.4lbs) vs Shawn McCalman (167.6lbs)
South Central LA, California              Aurora, Colorado

Followed by
12 x 3 mins IBF Jr. Welterweight World title eliminator
Richardson Hitchins (139.8lbs) vs Gustavo Lemos (138.4lbs)
Brooklyn, New York                          Buenos Aires, Argentina

Diego Pacheco says his god-given talent makes him stand out as the future king of the Super-Middleweights, as he prepares for the defense of his USWBC and WBO International Super-Middleweight titles against Shawn McCalman on Saturday night at BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, live worldwide on DAZN.

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Pacheco (20-0 17 KOs) is as soft-spoken outside the ring as he is hard-hitting inside it, but as the 23 year old continues his unstoppable rise up the 168lb rankings, his name is increasingly mentioned alongside his fellow contenders.

The new father has always let his fists do the talking, but sitting as he does in the top five of three of the governing bodies, Pacheco knows that there are major names and fights on the horizon, providing he can see off McCalman (15-0 7 KOs) on Saturday.

“I’m one of one,” said Pacheco. “God gave me an amazing talent, amazing reach and height, abilities to move in the ring, abilities that other fighters are lacking, so my time is coming.

“Everything is at stake on Saturday. He’s a tough, undefeated opponent but I feel amazing, I’m getting better and stronger with every fight, smarter, and I’m confident in the work we’ve put into this camp. I’m excited to be back and ready to put on a great show against another undefeated opponent and showcase why I belong here and keep doing what I have been doing which is shining, putting on great performances and showing my dominance in the ring.

“Right now, I am top five in the world so anyone in the top ten that would get me closer to the World title, that’s who I want to fight. There’s a big fight there with Edgar Berlanga, Christian Mbilli is another good fighter in the top ten, there’s Erik Bazinyan – I’d like the chance to share the ring with any of them, they’re all great fighters and that’s the only way to get to the World championships, I know that, my team knows that, and that’s what we’re ready for. I have people around me that know the business more and are experts in grooming World champions, so my job is to prepare as much as I can and hopefully these fights get made and I get to show the world what I am made of.

“He’s a good fighter, I’ve seen a few of his fights, he has some skills and some power. But I’ve seen thousands of guys like him and I just feel I’m on a way different level than he is and I’ll show that on Saturday.

“I’ve been a power puncher since I was 12 or 13, I was always dropping guys to the body and to the head. I used to love going to the body and you guys have seen that now. I was putting on these highlight reel KOs since I was a teenager, and now I am 23 it just comes to me, I’m not forcing the knockout; I’m patient, boxing and using my distance and the knockouts just come. I frustrate my opponents by outboxing them, make them jump in or make silly mistakes and I catch onto them and make them pay.

“Every fight gets more challenging, but I’ve stepped up and shown why I belong here. It’s because I put in the work and god gifted me a talent and I do my part, the rest is up to him, and that’s what you have been seeing, the hard work and the outcome is there.

“Shout out to Raymond Ford, that was a great fight he put on for the World championship, extremely proud and happy for him and I’m looking forward to doing the same thing. I’m very close to it, I can feel it, that next year or the year after, I will be a World champion.”

Pacheco’s clash with McCalman is part of a huge night of action, with Richardson Hitchins takes on Gustavo Lemos in a final eliminator for the IBF World Jr. Welterweight title.

Skye Nicolson provides the World title action on the card, looking to claim a World crown at the first attempt as she meets Sarah Mahfoud for the vacant WBC Featherweight strap and British Olympic gold medal man Galal Yafai defends his WBC International Flyweight title against Agustin Mauro Gauto.

Marc Castro gets a first title bout in his 12th pro outing, taking on Abraham Montoya for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super-Featherweight title, Harley Mederos is in action for the sixth time in the paid ranks over six rounds against Pedro Vicente and there’s a pro debut for former Team USA talent Steven Navarro over six rounds at Super-Flyweight against Jose Lopez.

Diego Pacheco is more determined than ever to reach the very top after becoming a father for the first time during his training camp for the defense of his USWBC and WBO International Super-Middleweight titles against Shawn McCalman on Saturday night at BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, live worldwide on DAZN.

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Pacheco (20-0 17 KOs) became a father for the first time when partner Jo gave birth to their daughter Divine, and the hard-hitting 168lb beast has been balancing life as a dad with training in his Seattle base for the biggest fight of his career to date.

Just like in the ring, the 23 year old has met the challenge head on and is loving life both in the gym and at home with his young family, and with more mouths to feed than before, he’s hungrier than ever to reach the top, starting with his clash with McCalman (15-0 7 KOs) on Saturday.

“My whole life has changed, I’m not doing this for me anymore, it’s for my daughter, my family, that’s what it’s all about now,” said Pacheco. “She came two weeks earlier than she was supposed to so we were caught a little bit off-guard, but it’s been amazing since day one; smiling, crying, needing me and that’s really been motivating and different in this camp, just looking forward to coming home to my daughter after training and thinking about her when I am training and pushing myself harder than usual for her.

“Before my daughter arrived, I was all boxing, it’s all I lived for and thought about, now it’s more of a balance. Boxing is always going to be here, I’m always going to be a boxer and the fighter that I am destined to be, but now I have my family that depend on me and I have to be there for them and there are different challenges that come with being a Dad, it’s been crazy, it’s a lot to think about, it’s changed the way I think for sure. 

“Every decision I make I think about her, my family, my girlfriend. I’m working like never before and that’s never going to happen to change, I have my goals that I am trying to reach in boxing and in life, so it’s added motivation. I haven’t let it affect me in the gym, there’s been a few changes with the feeds and so on, but it’s been amazing.

“It was challenging the first few days, I heard a lot of people say how things change when you have a baby, things will be a lot different, and I realize now that’s so right, but I cherish every moment. Being a parent has changed my life and I can’t wait to see her grow up.”

Pacheco’s clash with McCalman is part of a huge night of action, with Richardson Hitchins takes on Gustavo Lemos in a final eliminator for the IBF World Jr. Welterweight title. 

Skye Nicolson provides the World title action on the card, looking to claim a World crown at the first attempt as she meets Sarah Mahfoud for the vacant WBC Featherweight strap and British Olympic gold medal man Galal Yafai defends his WBC International Flyweight title against Agustin Mauro Gauto. 

Marc Castro gets a first title bout in his 12^th pro outing, taking on Abraham Montoya for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super-Featherweight title, Harley Mederos is in action for the sixth time in the paid ranks over six rounds against Pedro Vicente and there’s a pro debut for former Team USA talent Steven Navarro over six rounds at Super-Flyweight against Jose Lopez.

Diego Pacheco stopped Marcelo Coceres in round nine of their 12-round super middlleweight bout at The Youtube Theater in Inglewood, Californi.

Pacheco battered a gritty Coceres in several rounds. In round nine, Pacheco landed a booming right and a nasty right uppercut that put Coceres down for the 10-count at 2:53.

Pacheco, 167 lbs of Los Angeles is 20-0 with 17 knockouts. Coceres, 167 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG is 32-6-1.

Erika Cruz Decisions Rivas to win Super Bantamweight Title

Erika Cruz won the WBA Super Bantamweight title with a 10-round majority decision over Mayerlin Rivas.

In round four, Rivas was cut below her right eye.

Cruz landed 70 of 425 punches. Rivas was 71 of 168.

Cruz, 122 lbs of Mexico City won by scores of 98-92, 9703 and 95-95 to become a two-division world champion at 17-2. Rivas, 121.8 lbs of Maracaibo, VEN is 17-5-3.

Jonathan Rodriguez stops Yafai in First-Round

Jonathan Rodriguez scored the biggest and most emphatic win of his career as he stopped former world champion Kal Yafai in the opening round of their 10-round bantamweight bout.

In round one, Rodriguez landed a huge overhand right that put Yafai on the canvas. Rodriguez out Yafai down again with another right hand. Rodriguez had Yafai in trouble and landed a big shot that stumbled Yafai and then landed four more punches and the fight was stopped at 2:17

Rodriguez, 118 lbs of Bethlehem, PA is now 17-1-1 with seven knockouts. Yafai, 117.4 lbs of Birmingham, ENG is now 27-2.

Marc Castro Stops Fuenzalida in 7

Marc Castro remained undefeated with a seventh round stoppage over Gonzalo Fuenzalida in a 10-round super featherweight bout.

Castro dominated the brawl and almost had the stoppage earlier in round seven until Castro leveled Fuenzalida with a should block. Seconds later, Castro landed a huge flurry that forced a referee stoppage at 2:31.

Castro, 131.4 lbs of Fresno, CA is 11-0 with eight knockouts. Fuenzalida, 132 lbs of Santiago de CHL is 12-3.

Jalan Walker stopped Jorge Alberto Villegas in round two of their eight-round super featherweight.

In round two, Walker landed a huge flurry of about 20 flurries and the bout was stopped at 2:55.

Walker, 131.2 lbs of Los Angeles is now 12-0-1 with 10 knockouts. Villegas, 131.6 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is 14-2.

Criztec Bazaldua stopped Pedro Cruz in the fourth and final round of their lightweight bout.

In round four, Cruz was cut around the right eye. Bazaldula battered Cruz until the bout was stopped at 46 seconds.

Bazaldua, 136.6 lbs of Los Angeles is now 3-0 with one knockout. Cruz, 138.8 lbs of San Jose, CA is 3-4.

4 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
 
Criztec Bazaldua (136.6lbs)        vs.    Pedro Angel Cruz (138.8lbs)
 
Los Angeles, California                          San Jose, California
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
 
Jalan Walker (131.2lbs)              vs.              Jorge Alberto Villegas (131.6lbs)
 
Los Angeles, California                                   Los Mochis, Mexico
 
LIVE ON DAZN FROM 5PM PT
 
10 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
 
Marc Castro (131.4lbs)               vs.              Gonzalo Fuenzalida (132.8lbs)
 
Fresno, California                                            Santiago de Chile, Chile
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins WBA Intercontinental Bantamweight title
 
Kal Yafai (117.6lbs)            vs.              Jonathan Rodriguez (118lbs)
 
Birmingham, England                             Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
 
Followed by
 
10 x 2 mins WBA World Super-Bantamweight title 
 
Mayerlin Rivas (121.8lbs)           vs.              Erika Cruz (122lbs)
 
Maracaibo, Venezuela                                     Mexico City, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins WBO International and USWBC Super-Bantamweight titles
 
Diego Pacheco (167.8lbs)           vs.              Marcelo Coceres (167lbs)
 
Los Angeles, California                                    Buenos Aires, Argentina