Highly-regarded super middleweight Diego Pacheco meets fellow unbeaten Steven Nelson at the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in the headlining bout of the second leg of a two-continent DAZN broadcast on Saturday night. While two regional titles are at stake, the true prize for the winner of the twelve-rounder could be a bout against one of the major players at 168-pounds. Fighters weighed-in on Friday afternoon at the OPM Theater, one floor down from the host venue.

Pacheco (22-0, 18 KOs) of Los Angeles, California has gradually moved to the precipice of landing the marque bout he has vocally demanded during fight week. In his last time out, Pacheco impressively halted veteran Maciej Sulecki in the sixth with a perfectly-placed bodyshot. Sulecki, albeit naturally smaller and now older, had previously lasted the distance against Demetrius Andrade and Daniel Jacobs in his only two prior defeats.

The 36-year-old U.S. Army veteran Nelson (20-0, 16 KOs) of Omaha, Nebraska has moved along at a different pace and to less fanfare than his 23-year-old counterpart. Nelson’s resume does not have a Sulecki type to be found, as Pacheco marks the veteran’s first major headline opportunity. In his last bout, Nelson dropped previously undefeated Marcos Vazquez three times en route to a fifth-round stoppage, deep down on the undercard of Terence Crawford’s victory over Ismail Madrimov in Los Angeles last August.

Pacheco, the WBO #1/WBC #3/IBF #6 ranked super middleweight, is only one fight away from a bout with Canelo Alvarez, according to recent remarks by his promoter, Eddie Hearn. Pacheco is trained by Jose Benavidez Sr., no stranger to leading a 168-pounder to the doorstep of such a bout, as David Benavidez was in that same position not long ago. Benavidez Sr.’s first journey towards Canelo has thus proven fruitless and it remains to be seen where on the scale Alvarez will appear next.

Nelson, the WBO #9 ranked super middleweight, must look at his opportunity against Pacheco as his Canelo fight. The Nebraska native has developed quietly, in the shadows of Crawford, fighting mainly on his undercards in recent years. With a win over Pacheco, who defends the regional USWBC and WBO International titles on Saturday, Nelson would put himself in prime position to attract one of the big names at 168-pounds.

Pacheco made 166.4-pounds on Friday, while Nelson hit the super middleweight limit of 168. The public weigh-in ceremony got heated during the face-off, as a jawing back-and-forth turned into some shoving before camps went their seperate ways.

In the leading supporting bout, WBA #4/IBF#5/WBC #6/WBO #15 ranked lightweight Andy Cruz (4-0, 2 KOs) of Miami, Florida by way of Matanzas, Matanzas, Cuba defends the regional IBF International lightweight title against WBA #12 ranked Omar Salcido (20-1, 14 KOs) of Lakeside, California by way of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico in a ten-round bout.

Cruz, previously one of the most accomplished amateurs of all-time, appears to be on the fast-track towards a world title opportunity. Cruz has referred to himself as Keyshawn Davis’ daddy in the lead-up to Saturday’s bout, a nod to his four amateur victories over the fellow lightweight contender. While Davis will vie for a world title in February, Cruz will be defending the regional title he won in his pro debut for the fourth time. However, the 2020 Cuban Olympic gold medalist cannot afford to look past the veteran Salcido, who enters the bout fresh off of his signature victory to date, a ninth-round stoppage of Chris Colbert this past October.

For the bout, which will also see the WBA Continental Latin Americas title on the line, Cruz and Salcido scaled an identical 134.8-pounds each.

Junior welterweight prospect Ernesto Mercado (16-0, 15 KOs) of Pomona, California looks to march towards to bonafide contender status as he moves up in class against former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza (29-6-2, 14 KOs) of Cidra, Puerto Rico in a ten-round bout. Mercado, 142.4 at Friday’s weigh-in and recently signed to Matchroom Boxing, will be making his Las Vegas debut against a fighter in Pedraza, 143, that has fought a who’s who list from all over the world.

Junior welterweight prospect Leonardo Rubalcava (9-0, 3 KOs) of Jurupa Valley, California by way of Teocaltiche, Jalisco, Mexico takes on Israel Mercado (11-1, 7 KOs) of Montclair, California in an eight-round bout. Rubalcava, making his Las Vegas debut, scaled 141-pounds, as did Mercado, fighting in Vegas for the second straight occasion.

Former amateur standout Harley Mederos (7-0, 6 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York will meet Arturo de Isla (5-2-1, 4 KOs) of Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico in a six-round lightweight bout. Mederos, who capped a well decorated amateur run as U.S. National champion in 2020, scaled 134.4-pounds, while de Isla made 135.6.

2024 Indian Olympic bronze medalist Nishant Dev of Woodland, California by way of Karnal, India will make his professional debut against Alton Wiggins (1-0-1) of Modesto, California in a six-round junior middleweight bout. Dev came in at 155.8-pounds, while Wiggins tipped 156.4.

19-year-old former amateur standout Zaquin Moses (1-0) of Newark, New Jersey will take on replacement opponent Mario Garcia (3-0, 3 KOs) of Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico in a four-round super featherweight bout. Moses was 130.4, giving up seven pounds to make the fight, with the short-notice Garcia at 137.4-pounds Friday.

For those watching from home, the DAZN marathon boxing broadcast begins with Dalton Smith’s junior welterweight headliner against Walid Ouizza from Nottingham, England, with coverage beginning at 12:15 EST. Coverage from Las Vegas begins at 5:45 EST.

Quick Weigh-in Results:

USWBC Super Middleweight Championship

WBO International Super Middleweight Championship, 12 Rounds

Pacheco 166.4

Nelson 168

WBA Continental Latin Americas Championship

IBF International Lightweight Championship, 10 Rounds

Cruz 134.8

Salcido 134.8

Light welterweights, 10 Rounds

Mercado 142.4

Pedraza 143

Light welterweights, 8 Rounds

Rubalcava 141

Mercado 141

Lightweights, 6 Rounds

Mederos 134.4

de Isla 135.6

Light middleweights, 6 Rounds

Dev 155.8

Wiggins 156.4

Super featherweights, 4 Rounds

Moses 130.4

Garcia 137.4

Tickets for the event, promoted by Matchroom Boxing, are available online at Ticketmaster.com

Photos by Melina Pizano/Matchroom

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Undefeated 23-year-old super middleweight contender Diego Pacheco turned back the challenge of Steven Nelson, scoring a twelve-round unanimous decision at the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in the main event of a multi-continent DAZN broadcast on Saturday night.

Attempting to stamp his position as the next in line at 168-pounds, Pacheco (23-0, 18 KOs) of Los Angeles, California opted to fight a previously undefeated fighter others have apparently avoided for good reason in Nelson (20-1, 16 KOs) of Omaha, Nebraska.

After a feeling out first round, Pacheco, 166.4, and Nelson, 168, opened up a bit more at the close of the second round. After Pacheco found a home for a few stiff jabs, Nelson landed clean just before the bell in retort.

Pacheco, the WBO #1/WBC #3/IBF #6 ranked contender, continued to rely on his jab in the third, but it was Nelson, the WBO #9 ranked super middleweight, who was busier and found a home for a couple power shots late in the stanza.

Just as Nelson was having a fairly successful fourth, outworking Pacheco, the pride of South Central Los Angeles timed the overhand right he had been looking to land and busted up the former Army veteran with his counter.

With the left side of his face turning into a crimson mask, Nelson was less apt to engage in the fifth. Pacheco began walking down the Nebraskan native, just missing the mark at times with potential night-enders.

Pacheco opened up more to close the fifth and kept up the output through the sixth and seventh, when the action really heated up. Pacheco still looked to time the perfect shot in the eighth, just missing the mark on a couple occasions.

After a tenth in which both combatants had their moments, Nelson came out with renewed vigor in the eleventh, landing clean with power punches with both hands. Even when Pacheco timed a couple well-placed uppercuts, Nelson was undeterred in his forward attack.

In the twelfth, Nelson maintained the pressure, snapping Pacheco’s head back on several occasions. Even when Pacheco landed, Nelson was hell-bent on maintaining his forward attack.

All three judges, Tim Cheatham, Max DeLuca and David Sutherland, scored the bout 117-111 for Pacheco, who holds onto his USWBC and WBO International super middleweight titles and place near the top of the rankings.

While he gave a great technical performance against a solid, previously undefeated fighter, Saturday’s win may not have been the type to create a public outcry for the money man in the division, Canelo Alvarez, to sign on for a bout with Pacheco just yet.

In the co-featured bout, lightweight contender Andy Cruz (5-0, 2 KOs) of Miami, Florida by way of Matanzas, Matanzas, Cuba passed the stiffest test of his pro career to date, pounding out a ten-round unanimous decision over a game Omar Salcido (20-2, 14 KOs) of Lakeside, California by way of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.

Cruz, 134.8, had more gears and dimensions than did his Mexican counterpart, Salcido, 134.8. Cruz seemed content to utilize the boxing skills that made him one of the most decorated amateurs of recent years through the first nine rounds. The WBA #4/IBF#5/WBC #6/WBO #15 ranked lightweight Cruz attempted to close the show in style in the final round, but the WBA #12 ranked Salcido hung tough and held his own through the ten rounds.

In the end, Cruz outboxed Salcido by scores of 99-91 (judge Chris Migliore) and 98-92 (judges Dave Moretti and Zachary Young) twice, taking home two regional titles: the WBA Continental Latin Americas and IBF International lightweight belts.

Undefeated junior welterweight Ernesto Mercado (17-0, 16 KOs) of Pomona, California stamped himself a contender with a fourth-round kayo over former world champion Jose Pedraza (29-7-2, 14 KOs) of Cidra, Puerto Rico.

Mercado, 142.4, was the naturally larger fighter in the bout and utilized that size advantage to great effect. In the end, it looked as though the knockout blow to Pedraza, 143, may have strayed to the back of the head. However, referee Robert Hoyle opted to count and then wave off the bout when Pedraza did not appear to be in any condition to continue. Official time of the stoppage was 2:08 of round four.

After the bout, the still unbeaten fighter called out Shakur Stevenson, “I want that punk right there,” said Mercado, pointing towards the three-division champion, who was less-than-thrilled to hear his name being called.

Leonardo Rubalcava (9-0-1, 3 KOs) of Jurupa Valley, California by way of Teocaltiche, Jalisco, Mexico narrowly escaped with his unbeaten record intact, fighting to an eight-round majority draw in his bout against a determined Israel Mercado (11-1-1, 7 KOs) of Montclair, California.

Mercado, 141, controlled almost all of the first, before Rubalcava, 141, landed one right that should have scored an official knockdown immediately. Referee Allen Huggins dusted the gloves of Mercado and let the action resume, but indicated before the start of round two, that Mercado was in fact down.

By the end of the fourth, Mercado was dictating the fight in extended moments, beating the young prospect to the punch.

However, Mercado was deducted a point late in round seven for a low blow, which would unfortunately play a key factor in the scoring.

After the knockdown and the point deduction, two judges (Chris Migliore and Dave Moretti) scored the bout a draw, 75-75. Judge Zachary Young had the dissenting card for the underdog, Mercado, 76-74.

In his professional debut, Nishant Dev (1-0, 1 KO) of Woodland, California by way of Karnal, India flashed his power in the lighter gloves, scoring a first-round round stoppage of Alton Wiggins (1-1-1) of Modesto, California.

Dev, 155.8, and Wiggins, 156.4, both fought out of the southpaw stance. However, Dev, who won bronze for India at the 2020 Olympic Games, had a clear edge in power and flurried Wiggins for the first of two knockdowns. The game Wiggins was able to continue briefly, but soon enough Dev scored a second knockdown, prompting referee Robert Hoyle to call for the end at 2:48 of round one.

Power-punching former amateur star Harley Mederos (8-0, 7 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York scored a third-round stoppage of Arturo de Isla (5-3-1, 4 KOs) of Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico

Mederos, 134.4, varied his attack from the opening bell and all de Isla, 135.6, could hope to do was to hang in there. The sound from Mederos’ punches alone were thudding and reverberating throughout the Chelsea.

Mederos broke through in the third, dropping Mederos hard with a right hand. Referee Raul Caiz Jr. immediately stopped the contest at 1:27 of the third round.

In the opening bout, 19-year-old wunderkind Zaquin Moses (2-0, 1 KO) of Newark, New Jersey was just getting warmed-up after one round of boxing when short-notice replacement Mario Garcia (3-1, 3 KOs) of Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico remained on his stool.

Moses, 130.4, began to open-up from his southpaw stance in the final moments. Garcia, 137.4, seemed fine going to his corner, but ultimately the fight ended after just minutes.

Photo by Melina Pizano/Matchroom

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com

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.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW VIA TICKETMASTER

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.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW VIA TICKETMASTER

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

Diego Pacheco headlines for the third straight fight on Saturday night – but this time the stakes are raised for the Super-Middleweight stud as he welcomes Marcelo Coceres to his Los Angeles hometown as they clash at YouTube Theater, live worldwide on DAZN.

Pacheco (19-0 16 KOs) is looking to cap a brilliant 2023 with a third KO win as a bill topper, and this time in front of his hometown fans. The LA talent pummeled Jack Cullen into submission in four rounds in Liverpool, England, in April, and was at his scintillating best in his last outing in July where he blitzed the dangerous Manuel Gallegos inside four rounds in Monterrey, Mexico – ending matters with a vicious attack after flooring Gallegos in the fourth with a trademark body shot and became the first man to stop the Mexican later in the round.

The 22 year old steps up once again against the Argentine Coceres (32-5-1 18 KOs) who has previously tested Billy Joe Saunders and Edgar Berlanga. Pacheco is ready to dazzle on his doorstep and the latter is in his sights for next year.

“It’s so special to have a homecoming show,” said Pacheco. “It’s the most important fight of my career so far, it’s time for me to headline at home. I’ve headlined in the UK and in Mexico, so to be bringing everyone out to LA is surreal, I dreamt of this as a little kid and now I can’t wait to perform on Saturday and begin a while new chapter in my career. If Eddie told me I’m fighting Canelo, I feel I would give him a good fight. I want Edgar Berlanga next after this fight. I think I knock him out, cold.

“To be doing this at 22 is cool. I thought maybe I would headline in a World title fight when I was 24 or 25. This weekend it’s the YouTube Theater, hopefully down the line it will be the SoFi Stadium. It’s a five-minute drive from my mom’s house, so it’s perfect to be having my first headline show there. 

“It’s been a great year for me. I unexpectedly became the main event in the UK in March, and I rose to the occasion and put on a great performance. The experience was great, fighting Cullen, he was a long fighter, but he didn’t have too much that fazed me or worried me at all, I just knew that I had to keep to the game plan, stick to my jab, stay sharp and the KO would come, and it did. I hit him with a few right hands that made him forget about the body, I went downstairs and got him out of there.

“I grew up in South Central LA. I always feel I owe this to my parents. They sacrificed a lot and believed in me before anyone else. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I am. I come from a low-income family so for my dad to get me to all the amateur tournaments meant a lot and made me think ‘how I am not going to give my all when they have sacrificed so much for me?’”

Pacheco’s clash with Coceres tops a stacked bill in LA where Mayerlin Rivas defends her WBA World Super-Bantamweight title against Erika Cruz. 

Former World ruler Kal Yafai returns to action and faces Jonathan Rodriguez for the vacant WBA Inter-Continental Bantamweight title and Marc Castro will kick off the main card live on DAZN as he fights over ten rounds for the first time against Gonzalo Fuenzalida. 

Criztec Bazaldua steps through the ropes for the third time in his career when he takes on Pedro Angel Cruz over four rounds at Lightweight and Jalan Walker faces Jorge Alberto Villegas over eight rounds at Super-Featherweight.

Matchroom tonight announce four events in the USA and Mexico as part of a stacked second half of 2023 live worldwide on DAZN.

Headline amongst those is the confirmation of the date and venue for the hotly-anticipated Flyweight unification clash between Jesse Rodriguez and Sunny Edwards, which lands at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona on Saturday December 16.

The unbeaten pair meet in a mouth-watering battle to determine the top dog in the division, with WBO ruler Rodriguez and IBF king Edwards defending their titles for the first and fourth times respectively and both appearing in their first unification bouts. 

Rodriguez (18-0 11 KOs) will return to the state that he landed his first World title back in February 2022 when he defeated Carlos Cuadras to land the WBC Super-Flyweight strap. The San Antonio star defended that title twice with wins over Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Israel Gonzalez before becoming a two-weight champion on hometurf in April by seeing off Christian Hernandez, and the 23 year old is excited to be meeting Edwards in the winter.

“I want to thank Matchroom, Teiken and my whole team for making this fight happen,” said Rodriguez. “This fight will allow me to showcase my skills and prove to everyone that I am not only the best Flyweight in the world but one of the best fighters in the world period. 

“I am excited to be back in Arizona where I first became a World champion, and I will be 100 per cent ready to put on a show on December 16 and become unified World champion.”

Edwards (20-0 4 KOs) finally gets the blockbuster showdown that he’s been craving after becoming the IBF champion in April 2021 with a trademark classy win over Moruti Mthalane in London. A pair of successful defenses in Dubai followed in December against Jayson Mama and in March over Muhammad Waseem before victory in defense number three followed in his adaopted Sheffield hometown over Felix Alvarado. 

The 27 year old had a successful debut under the Matchroom banner in June when he saw off spirited Chilean challenger Andres Campos in London, and Edwards is looking forward to proving he is the best in the division on his first fight in America.

“I’m looking forward to being involved in one of the biggest Flyweight World title fights in boxing history,” said Edwards. “It’s the real #1 versus the real #2. I would like to thank Eddie Hearn, Frank Smith, Matchroom Boxing and my team for getting me in this position, and I’d also like to thank Bam and his team for accepting the fight, and I am really looking forward to becoming one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world on December 16 in Arizona.”

One month before that, one of the hottest young fighters in the sport will headline at home for the first time in his blossoming career as Diego Pacheco takes on Marcelo Coceres for the WBO International and USWBC Super-Middleweight titles at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles on November 18.

Pacheco (19-0 16 KOs) was at his scintillating best in his last outing in July where he blitzed the dangerous Manuel Gallegos inside four rounds in Monterrey, Mexico – ending matters with a vicious attack after flooring Gallegos in the fourth with a trademark bodyshot and became the first man to stop the Mexican later in the round.

That was a second headline turn for the rangy South LA man having previously pummeled Jack Cullen into submission again in four rounds in Liverpool, England in April, and now the 23 year old earns a shorter trip to top the bill, doing so in the shadow of the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood where he grew up.

“I cannot wait to be headlining at home November 18 at the YouTube Theater,” said Pacheco. “I am looking forward to making a statement and delivering another great performance for all my hometown fans.”

Standing in Pacheco’s way of another impressive showing at Super-Middleweight is former World title challenger Coceres (32-5-1 18 KOs). The Argentine returns to the city of his biggest night, where he met WBO ruler Billy Joe Saunders for the World title in November 2019, and the 32 year old is set to provide Pacheco with the biggest test of his career to date.

“November 18, in his backyard, this is what warriors do,” said Coceres. “I have a lot of respect for Pacheco, he’s a good fighter, but he’s still young and he has time. This is my time now.
I’ve been here before. I’ve been to war. Let’s see how the young boy does when his back is against the wall. 

“I’m bringing everything into this fight. I can’t afford another loss at this point in my career. This is make or break and I’m leaving everything I have in the ring come November 18.”

Back-to-back weekends in September provide plenty of excitement in Tijuana and Orlando.

Angel Fierro continues to hammer on the door for a World title shot, and he’ll look to add more weight to those claims when he defends his WBO NABO Lightweight title against Brayan Zammaripa on Friday September 15 at the Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutierrez Moreno in Tijuana, Mexico. 

Fierro (21-1-2 17 KOs) is sitting pretty at #4 with the WBO, and the 25 year old gets a hometown outing as he looks to build on his growing reputation for exciting performances.

‘Tashiro’ was at his explosive best in his last outing with multiple knockdowns leading to a seventh round stoppage win over Eduardo Estela in Culiacan – a fifth KO in his last six fights – and a run he’ll be looking to improve upon against Zammaripa (13-1 4 KOs), the Baja California man who has recorded ten wins on the bounce since his sole defeat in 2016.

“I am very happy to return to my home Tijuana,” said Fierro. “But I am even more excited because I am very close to a World Title fight. I’m very focused on giving a great show to my people.”

“This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for, for a long time,” said Zammaripa. “I respect Tashiro, but this is my moment. I’m coming to his neighborhood, but this is my territory. Civil War is coming September 15 and I’m leaving with Tashiro’s belt. Viva Mexico.

Erika Cruz (15-2 3 KOs) will return to action on the card following her thrilling battle with Amanda Serrano for the undisputed Featherweight crown in New York in February, and ‘Dinamita’ will look to get back on the path to regaining her World champion status over ten rounds against Melissa Oddessa Parker (6-1 2 KOs)

“I am 100 per cent prepared,” said Cruz. “That night the national guard and I will be celebrating our Independence Day with one more victory for the Dinamita!”

The following weekend, a stacked bill takes Matchroom back to Florida and sees World-rated Super-Lightweight Richardson Hitchins takes on Jose Zepeda for the WBC Silver and IBF North American Super-Lightweight titles at the Caribe Royale in Orlando on Saturday September 23.

Hitchins (16-0 7 KOs) shone in his last outing in his home city, putting New Jersey’s John Bauza on the canvas during a shut-out win at Madison Square Garden, and the Brooklyn ace now lurks with intent at #6 with the WBO and #7 with the IBF in the 140lb rankings. 

Zepeda (36-3 27 KOs) represents a significant barrier to Hitchins’ plans to move into World title contention though, and the Californian, who has challenged for World titles at both 135 and 140lbs, will be eyeing Hitchins’ lofty standings to reignite his own World championship plans.

“I’m excited to finally be back in action and prove I’m the top dog of the 140lb division,” said Hitchins. “I promise to put on a master class performance on Zepada. This was the guy they were calling one of the top guys in the division, so after this performance this will show I’m ready for anyone.

“We tried waiting for Montana Love, but he found his way out of the fight like I expected his bitch ass would, so it’s on to bigger and better!”

“This is it for me, my last opportunity and a big one,” said Zepeda. “I need to win to stay on track and soon fight for another World title, it’s now or never. I want to thank Matchroom very much for this opportunity, my brother Renee and my manager Rick Mirigian for getting this multi-fight deal worked out. I’ll be ready come fight night.”

The Welterweight division will move one step closer to crowning an undisputed champion on the night as Jessica McCaskill and Sandy Ryan meet for three of the belts. 

WBA and WBC champion McCaskill (12-3 5 KOs) is no stranger to undisputed status, having ripped all the hardware at 147 from long-reigning ruler Cecilia Braekhus in August 2020 and then holding onto the belts in a rematch the following March. The Chicagoan defended the belts twice more against Kandi Wyatt and Alma Ibarra before the lure of becoming undisputed champion at a second weight saw her drop down to 140lbs to take on Chantelle Cameron in Abu Dhabi in November, with the Briton coming out on top on that occasion.

WBO belt holder Ryan (6-1 2 KOs) will look to make it back-to-back losses to Brits for McCaskill, as the Derby talent puts the title she won in her last outing against Marie Pier Houle in Cardiff, Wales in April. Ryan, who holds wins over former World champions Anahi Sanchez and Erica Farias, steps straight into the biggest fight in the division in her first defense and can add two belts to take her collection up to three in just her eighth pro fight.

“Glad to finally get back in the ring, it’s been too long,” said McCaskill. “I’m not going to lie it’s been a bit frustrating but now we are finally here. You know what they say, be careful what you wish for. See you soon Sandy.”

“This fight is everything to me the level of it the best vs. the best in the Welterweight division,” said Ryan. “I respect Jessica massively as a fighter and what she has done in the sport but it’s definitely time for a new era and I believe I am that. 

“It’s my biggest fight and it’s going to be in America, a place I’ve wanted to fight in since I turned pro. It’s been a dream of mine so I can’t wait to make my America debut and fight Jessica. AND THE NEW!”

A third fight for the bill in Orlando sees Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams press his claims for World title action at Middleweight as he tackles Steve Rolls.

Williams (14-0 10 KOs) is back in the States having taken out River Wilson-Bent in eight rounds in London in April – his third fight in England – and the Middleweight contender is right on the cusp of landing a World title shot sitting at #2 with the WBA, #10 with the IBF and #11 with the WBC.

Rolls (22-2 12 KOs) will test those ambitions to the fullest though, having shared the ring with Gennadiy Golovkin and Edgar Berlanga in his 24-fight career, and the Canadian will look to get back into contention himself with the WBA International and IBF North American titles on the line. 

“I’ve learned the significance of rest and patience since my April victory,” said Williams. “This period of down time has allowed my mind and body the proper space to process all of the many lessons I’ve received in my previous 6 bouts. Tremendous advancement has occurred in all areas of my life. September 23 will be a display of brilliance, dedication, and laser focus. Don’t miss it!

“I’m looking forward to fighting on September 23,” said Rolls. “I know that Ammo is coming to fight, but I’m going to do whatever is necessary to get my hand raised at the end of the night. He has never fought anyone as a pro with my experience, and I think that experience will play a big role in me winning this fight.”

Information on ticket on-sale dates and further undercard news for these events will be released soon.

These events are added to a stacked offering from Matchroom on DAZN, with more to come including:

Leigh Wood vs. Josh Warrington, Saturday October 7, Sheffield

Jack Catterall vs. Jorge Linares, Saturday October 21, Manchester

Chantelle Cameron vs. Katie Taylor II, Saturday November 25, Dublin

Diego Pacheco stopped Manuel Gallegos in round four of their 10-round super middleweight bout in Monterrey, Mexico.

Pacheco was impressive as he hurt Gallegos in round four with a hard combination and then he dropped Gallegos with a left hook to the body. Pacheco then landed about eight hard shots to the head that forced a referee stoppage at 2:45.

Pacheco, 168 lbs of Los Angeles is 19-0 with 16 knockouts. Gallegos, 168 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is 19-2-1.

Eduardo Hernandez stopped late-replacement Hector Garcia in round three of their 10-round lightweight bout.

In round two, Hernandez rocked Garcia and had him in trouble throughout the latter part if the round. Garcia was cut under his right eye. In round three, Hernandez was all over Garcia as he landed a big left hook that was followed by a big right that was followed by a 20 punch combination that put Garcia down and the fight was stopped at 25 seconds.

Hernandez, 137 lbs of Mexico City is now 34-1 with 31 knockouts. Garcia, 137 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 20-8-4.

Jonathan Rodriguez and Israel Gonzalez battled to a 10-round split draw in a bantamweight bout.

Each fighter won a scorecard by a 96-94 score and a third card was even at 95-95.

Rodriguez, 115 lbs of San Luis Patosi, MEX is now 24-2-1. Gonzalez, 115 lbs of Los Cabos, MEX is 29-5-2.

Neider Valdez remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over Isaias Ortiz in a flyweight contest.

In round three, Valdez landed a hard left to the body that put Ortiz to the canvas. Ortiz could not beat the count at 1:50.

Valdez, 108 lbs of Monterrey, MEX is 9-0-2 with eight knockouts. Ortiz, 109 lbs of Mexico City is 5-4.

Federico Pacheco stopped Oscar Heredia after round two of their four-round heavyweight victory.

In round two, Pacheco dropped Heredia with a double left hook to the body. Heredia was in a lot of discomfort after the round and did not answer the bell.

Pacheco, 254 lbs of Los Angeles is 4-0 with three knockouts. Heredia, 252 lbs of Monterrey, MEX is 2-3.

Diego Pacheco has told promoter Eddie Hearn that he’ll show he’s ready to face his fellow contenders at Super-Middleweight as he defends his WBO International and USWBC Super-Middleweight titles against Manuel Gallegos at Cintermex in Monterrey, Mexico tonight, live worldwide on DAZN.

Pacheco (18-0 15 KOs) is knocking on the door of the big names in the division and if he shines against tonight in his second consecutive headline bout against Mexican Gallegos (19-1-1 16 KOs) and is looking to keep his seemingly unstoppable momentum going with another great performance tonight.

The 22 year old was elevated to headline status in his last outing in Liverpool, England and took that spotlight chance by the scruff of the neck when he destroyed Jack Cullen in March with a destructive fourth round KO, and should he be victorious tonight, Pacheco could headline for a third time in a third different country, but this time on his home patch in Los Angeles.

Pacheco will arrive earlier to the arena than most headliners would do tonight, but that’s so he can be ringside when his younger Heavyweight brother Federico fights for the fourth time in the paid ranks to kick-off the card live on DAZN. Diego and Federico train alongside each other with David Benavidez Sr in Seattle, with one of the very best in the Super-Middleweight division, David Benavidez, there for Pacheco to learn from.

Benavidez is one of many top contenders lining up to take on Super-Middleweight king Canelo Alvarez, along with one of Pacheco’s Matchroom stablemates, Edgar Berlanga. The Puerto Rican star made his Matchroom debut at the end of June against Jason Quigley at a sold-out Theater at Madison Square Garden, and punctuated a wide points win by putting the Irishman down twice in the final round.

Pacheco believes he is already above Berlanga’s level and would love the chance to prove that but is focused on the job at hand; namely, putting on another great display in another step-up night.

“It means a lot to headline here,” said Pacheco. “I boxed here a couple of times as an amateur and had good wins, so to be back here to defend my titles it’s a big blessing. I’m very focused, I’m 22, I’m getting older and wiser and I’m super happy with the way everything is going with my career. I have my feet on the ground and I’m ready for whatever comes tonight.

“I knew one day I would come back to Mexico and headline. I didn’t know that it would be Monterrey and I didn’t expect my brother to be on the card with me. But everything happens for a reason, we’re on the right track and we’ve been training super hard. My brother and I dreamt about moments like this and we’re just happy that it’s all falling into place. 

“I know Gallegos is a good fighter, he’s an experienced, tough Mexican fighter. He’s durable, never been stopped, never been put down, so I am excited to be stepping up against guys like this. I’ve been showcasing my skills and power against a lot of opponents, but to do it against a guy like him will be fun and hopefully everyone recognizes that he’s a good opponent once I look good against him. I’ll box this guy, use my skills against him and get him frustrated, and then once I find those openings, I’ll hit him with my hardest shots and I think he won’t be able to take them. I’m not predicting any rounds, but I think I will get him out of there.

“Federico and I are always pushing each other in camp and we both know that it’s important that we show out and look good. That’s what we have been preparing for and it’s time to shine tonight.

“It’s great to be around great fighters, not just David but his brother, and a lot of other great fighters in the gym. We all learn from each other, and Benavidez Sr really works all of us hard every day, and I’m grateful for all the tips and support from David and the rest of the guys in there.

“It’s not just sparring with David that improves me, every single day just being in there with him and the rest of the team I am getting better. He’s always watching and looking to help us improve, and it means a lot that he watches the rest of us after he’s trained and is willing to help us get better.

“I got to headline the night out of nowhere, we found out about a week before the fight. I was excited, it didn’t change anything, I still went in there to look good and dominate, do my thing. It motivated me with all eyes on me and that’s the same tonight.

“Jason looked good for a lot of the fight. It was a good fight; it went the way I thought it would do. Edgar is a good fighter, but I think that I am levels ahead of him, I’ll show that tonight and in the big nights to come. I welcome any fighter in the top of the 168lb division to fight me, I want to come out as the best. I am only 22 so I have time on my side to fight all these names, so I tell Eddie Hearn – line them up however you want, I’ll be ready.”

Live worldwide on DAZN from 6pm CST

4 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest

Federico Pacheco Jr. (254lbs) vs.   Oscar Heredia (252lbs) 
Los Angeles, California                      Monterrey, Mexico

Followed by

8 x 3 mins Flyweight contest

Neider Valdez (108lbs)         vs.     Isaias Ortiz (109lbs)
Monterrey, Mexico                           Mexico City, Mexico

Followed by

10 x 3 mins Bantamweight contest 

Jonathan Rodriguez (115lbs) vs.    Israel Gonzalez (115lbs)
San Luis Potosi, Mexico                     Los Cabos, Mexico

Followed by

10 x 3 mins Lightweight contest

Eduardo Hernandez (137lbs)         vs.     Hector Garcia (137lbs)
Mexico City, Mexico                                    Tijuana, Mexico

Followed by

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

Diego Pacheco (168lbs)        vs.     Manuel Gallegos (168lbs)
Los Angeles, California                     Los Mochis, Mexico

4 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
 
Federico Pacheco Jr. (254lbs) vs.   Oscar Heredia (252lbs) 
Los Angeles, California                      Monterrey, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Flyweight contest
 
Neider Valdez (108lbs)         vs.     Isaias Ortiz (109lbs)
Monterrey, Mexico                           Mexico City, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins Bantamweight contest 
 
Jonathan Rodriguez (115lbs) vs.    Israel Gonzalez (115lbs)
San Luis Potosi, Mexico                     Los Cabos, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
 
Eduardo Hernandez (137lbs)         vs.     Hector Garcia (137lbs)
Mexico City, Mexico                                    Tijuana, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins WBO International and USWBC Super-Middleweight titles
 
Diego Pacheco (168lbs)        vs.     Manuel Gallegos (168lbs)
Los Angeles, California                     Los Mochis, Mexico

Diego Pacheco has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom – and the Super-Middleweight sensation headlines Matchroom’s latest fight night in Mexico, defending his WBO International and USWBC titles against Manuel Gallegos on Friday July 7 in Monterrey, live worldwide on DAZN – with co-main action provided by Matchroom’s latest signing, Super-Featherweight star Rocky Hernandez, who takes on unbeaten Venezuelan Joniker Tovar.
 
Pacheco (18-0 KOs 15 KOs) turned pro with Hearn in December 2018 and the rangy Super-Middleweight has grown into one of the hottest properties in the sport, closing in on the big-guns at 168lbs and doing so with his trademark fearsome power.
 
The 22 year old stepped through the ropes for the first time in the UK in his last outing, stopping Jack Cullen in four rounds in Liverpool – a 15^th win inside the distance in his 18 fights in the paid ranks to date.
 
The LA talent steps through the ropes for the seventh time as a pro, and does so over ten rounds against Gallegos (19-1-1 16 KOs) the #2 ranked 168lber in Mexico behind Canelo Alvarez, who is ranked #11 in the WBO. The Mexican will be the latest to try to halt Pacheco’s rise, and the LA native is thrilled to be continuing his journey with the global leader in boxing and expects that ride to take him to World title action soon.
 
“I am very happy and excited to be extending me deal with Matchroom,” said Pacheco. “We have bene on the path to the top for nearly five years and I couldn’t be in a better place to achieve my goals – to become World champion, to be unified and undisputed, and to be a role model for young kids in LA and Mexico to chase their dreams.
 
“I’m so happy to be headlining in Mexico on July 7. It will be a good fight against the #2 ranked Super-Middleweight in Mexico – and when I win, I’ll be one step closer to getting to that World title shot.”
 
“I hope Pacheco is prepared to fight for his life on July 7, because I’m coming to take everything he’s got,” said Gallegos.
 
Pacheco’s deal comes hot on the heels of the signature of Super-Featherweight star Hernandez, and the WBC #1 ranked KO artist faces Tovar over ten rounds in Monterrey. 
 
Hernandez (33-1 30 KOs) inked a long-term deal with Eddie Hearn today and will look to cement his status as the leading contender for the World champions at 130lbs – but unbeaten Venezuelan Tovar (21-0-1 16 KOs) says Hernandez’s bow with Matchroom will end in tears, reminding the Mexican that fellow countryman Roger Gutierrez stunned him in a round in July 2019 – the sole blemish on Hernandez’s record.
 
“I’m fighting another undefeated fighter to show that I’m the number one Super-Featherweight in the world and to show my promoter they made the right choice,” said Hernandez. “I’m here for 10 rounds but if he goes before then he goes!”
 
““We all saw what happened the last time Rocky fought a Venezuelan,” said Tovar. “This fight will be the exact same result. I have been waiting for an opportunity to showcase my talents on a big stage, and now it presents itself. I want to thank my promoter Mr. Shane Shapiro of Shapiro Sports & Ent., Mr. Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, and DAZN for giving me this massive moment.”
 
“What a great day for Matchroom and DAZN in America and Mexico – securing two of the best young fighters out there and putting them together on a card in Monterrey,” said Hearn.
 
“Diego is the best young talent in the game – and we are delighted to have extended his deal with us. From the day he first put pen to paper with us in October 2018, there’s been no doubt in my mind that he would get to the very top.
 
“We’ve watched Diego blossom in and out of the ring; a powerful puncher with venom and a humble young man with his community and family in his heart – Diego can become a massive star in America and Mexico, and we are with him every step of the way.
 
“Rocky can almost reach out and touch that World title shot. This one is slated for ten rounds, but when you look at their respective records, both guys will be looking for an early night. Joniker is dangerous and confident, but with the champions at 130lb tuned in, Rocky will want to shine, and I expect him to do just that.”
 
The venue in Monterrey and ticket details will be released next week.

Diego Pacheco remained undefeated by stopping Jack Cullen in round four of their 10-round super middleweight bout in Liverpool, England

In round four, Pacheco landed a perfect left hook to the body that put Cullen on the canvas. Pacheco landed a big right that hurt Cullen badly and the fight was stopped as Cullen was going down at 47 seconds.

Pacheco, 166.10 lbs of Los Angeles is 18-0 with 15 knockouts. Cullen, 167.8 lbs of Little Leaver, ENG is 21-4-1.

Darragh Foley stopped Robbie Davies Jr. in round three of their 10-round super lightweight contest.

In round two, Foley dropped Davies with a right hook just before the bell sounded to end the round. Early in round three, Foley landed another right hook that put Davies down again. Davies appeared to snap his right foot and he could not continue and the fight was stopped at 26 seconds.

Foley, 139.6 lbs of Bondi, AUS is 22-4-1 with 10 seconds. Davies, 139.12 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 23-4.

Johnny Fisher stopped Alfonso Damiani in round four of their scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round four, Fisher landed a big body shot that set off a big flurry that was ended by a booming right in the corner that hurt Damaiani, and the bout was called at 2:05.

Fisher, 240.12 lbs of Romford, ENG is 8-0 with seven knockouts. Damiani, 233,13 lbs of Subiaco, ITA is 6-3.

Peter McGrail won a 10-round unanimous decision over Nicolas Nahuel Botelli in a super bantamweight fight.

In round eight, Botelli was bleeding from his nose.

McGrail, 123.8 lbs of Liverpool, ENG won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 7-0. Botelli, 123.12 lbs of Salta, ARG is 14-8.

Rhiannon Dixon stopped Vicky Wilkinson in round six of their scheduled 10-round lightweight bout.

In round six, Dixon dropped Wilkinson with a body shot. Seconds later Dixon dropped Wilkinson with a right hand and the referee stopped the fight at 1:06.

Dixon, 134.12 lbs of Warrington, ENG is 8-0 with one knockout. Wilkinson, 132.1 lbs of Wombourne, ENG is 5-1-1.

Aqib Fiaz stopped Dean Dodge in the eighth and final round of their super featherweight bout.

Fiaz hurt Dodge with a right hand in round eight. Fiaz landed a hard flurry of punches on the ropes, and the bout was stopped at 2:20.

Fiaz, 134.7 lbs of Oldham, ENG is 11-0 with one knockout. Dodge, 132.15 lbs of Yeovil, ENG is 9-3-1.

In a battle of Liverpool based middleweights, Paddy Lacey won a six-round decision over James McCarthy.

Lacey, 162.14 lbs won by a 60-54 score and is now 8-0. McCarthy, 160.15 lbs is 2-5-1.

Campbell Hatton remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Michael Gonxhe in a super lightweight bout.

Hatton, 140.5 lbs of Hyde, ENG won by a 59-55 tally and is now 10-0. Gonxhe, 136.14 lbs of Frankfurt, GER is 4-3-1.

George Liddard stopped Daniel Przwieslik in round three of a scheduled four-round middleweight contest.

Liddard hurt Przwieslik with a hard right and continued to batter his opponent and the fight was stopped at 2:32.

Liddard, 162.1 lbs of Billericay. ENG is 2-0 with two knockouts.

4 x 3 mins International Middleweight contest
GEORGE LIDDARD 162.1 lbs v DANIEL PRZEWIESLIK 161.1 lbs
(Billericay, England)               (Ruda Slaska, Poand)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Super-Lightweight contest
CAMPBELL HATTON 140.5 lbs v MICHAEL GONXHE 136.14 lbs
(Hyde, England)                            (Frankfurt, Germany)

followed by

6 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
PADDY LACEY 162.14 lbs v JAMES MCCARTHY 160.15 lbs
(Liverpool, England)               (Liverpool, England)

followed by

8 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
AQIB FIAZ 134.7 lbs v DEAN DODGE 132.15 lbs
(Oldham, England)     (Yeovil, England)

followed by

19:00 LIVE ON DAZN

10 x 2 mins vacant Commonwealth Lightweight Title 
RHIANNON DIXON 134.12 lbs v VICKY WILKINSON 132.1 lbs
(Warrington, England)                   (Wombourne, England)

followed by

10 x 3 mins International Super-Bantamweight contest
PETER MCGRAIL 123.8 lbs v NICOLAS NAHUEL BOTELLI 123.12 lbs
(Liverpool, England)               (Salta, Argentina)  

followed by

8 x 3 mins International Heavyweight contest
JOHNNY FISHER 240.12 lbs v ALFONSO DAMIANI 233.13 lbs
(Romford, England)                  (Subiaco, Italy)

followed by

10 x 3 mins International Super-Lightweight contest
ROBBIE DAVIES JR 139.12 lbs v DARRAGH FOLEY 139.6 lbs
(Liverpool, England)                     (Bondi, Australia)

followed by

10 x 3 mins WBO International Super-Middleweight Title
DIEOGO PACHECO 166.10 lbs v JACK CULLEN 167.8 lbs
(Los Angeles, USA)                      (Little Lever, England)

Dieogo Pacheco wants to be recognised as a contender rather than a prospect once he knocks out Jack Cullen in their WBO International Super-Middleweight Title showdown at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool this Saturday March 11, live on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand).
 
The undefeated 22-year-old sensation, who fights in the UK for the first time in his career this weekend, is eager to make a big impression in front of Liverpool fight fans by stopping ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ in what will now be the co-headline bout following Callum Smith’s injury.
 
“Jack Cullen I feel is a good opponent, finally someone that the fans know I guess,” said Pacheco. “If I beat him then it’s going to be like, ‘he beat this guy’, and I hope people are going to start believing in me a little bit more.
 
“After I get this win, I do feel that people will start recognising me more as a contender than a prospect. He’s tall and he has a lot of heart, but I’m a way better fighter than him. I see myself stopping him. He won’t be able to take my power. Once I see the opening, I’ll take it.
 
“I think this fight is really important for my career. It’s really important that I put on a good performance. I wanna knock him out, I wanna stop him. In whatever round it comes in, whether it’s a body shot or a head shot, I just wanna to stop him.”
 
Pacheco trains in Seattle, USA under the guidance of Jose Benavidez Sr alongside the likes of two-time World Champion David Benavidez, who is preparing for a March 25 WBC Interim World Title fight with Caleb Plant, and the Los Angeles youngster says he is feeling the benefits from countless rounds of world class sparring.
 
“I’ve been part of David Benavidez’ last five fights. Every camp here is really tough. It’s good work, it doesn’t get better than this. The first time I ever came down here, David reached out to me on the DMs. It was after my Saudi Arabia fight. He was like, ‘oh I was watching that, you’re really good, do you wanna come down and work with me?’. I was like ‘hell yeah’.
 
“That’s what has gotten me the great wins, the great knockouts – the preparation I’ve been doing. That’s the reason I’m here working with them. There are other great sparring partners in here as well and I’m preparing better than ever for this fight. The sparring doesn’t get better than this so I’m really thankful for that.
 
“Obviously it is really tough, David Benavidez is a really good fighter. Every time I’m in there with him I learn something new. He pushes me more than anyone else. That’s exactly what I need.”
 
Pacheco vs. Cullen is part of a big night of action in Liverpool, local Super-Lightweight Robbie Davies Jr (23-3, 15 KOs) takes on Darragh Foley (21-4-1, 9 KOs) over ten rounds, Romford Heavyweight sensation Johnny Fisher (7-0, 6 KOs) takes ‘The Romford Bull’ Army to Liverpool for the first time as he faces Italy’s Alfonso Damiani (6-2, 2 KOs) over eight rounds and decorated amateur star turned Super-Bantamweight prospect Peter McGrail (6-0, 5 KOs) makes his highly anticipated Matchroom debut against Argentina’s Nicolas Nahuel Botelli (14-7, 8 KOs).
 
Warrington Lightweight talent Rhiannon Dixon (7-0) squares off with Wombourne’s Vicky Wilkinson (5-0-1) for the Commonwealth Title, Oldham’s Aqib Fiaz (10-0) takes on Yeovil’s Dean Dodge (9-2-1, 3 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Featherweight, plus there’s for Hyde’s Campbell Hatton (9-0, 3 KOs), Chester Middleweight Paddy Lacey (7-0, 1 KO) and Billericay Middleweight George Liddard (1-0, 1 KO).
 
Limited remaining tickets for Pacheco vs. Cullen can be purchased via Stage Front and the M&S Bank Arena.

An injury has forced Callum Smith out of his Light-Heavyweight clash with Pawel Stepien at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on Saturday March 11.
 
The event will go ahead, shown live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand), with Diego Pacheco’s WBO International Super-Middleweight Title showdown with Jack Cullen and Robbie Davies Jr’s Super-Lightweight fight with Darragh Foley now co-headlining.
 
Pacheco (17-0, 14 KOs), one of the hottest prospects in American boxing, looks to impress on his first appearance in the UK, stepping-up against Little Lever’s Cullen (21-3-1, 9 KOs) in what promises to be an all-action battle.
 
Davies Jr (23-3, 15 KOs) was set to square off with Australia’s Liam Paro but will now face late stand-in opponent Foley (21-4-1, 9 KOs) over ten rounds, and the Australia-based Irishman arrives in Liverpool brimming with confidence following four straight wins.
 
Romford Heavyweight sensation Johnny Fisher (7-0, 6 KOs) takes ‘The Romford Bull’ Army to Liverpool for the first time as he faces Italy’s Alfonso Damiani (6-2, 2 KOs) over eight rounds and decorated amateur star turned Super-Bantamweight prospect Peter McGrail (6-0, 5 KOs) makes his highly anticipated Matchroom debut.
 
Warrington Lightweight talent Rhiannon Dixon (7-0) squares off with Wombourne’s Vicky Wilkinson (5-0-1) for the Commonwealth Title, Oldham’s Aqib Fiaz (10-0) takes on Yeovil’s Dean Dodge (9-2-1, 3 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Featherweight, plus there’s for Hyde’s Campbell Hatton (9-0, 3 KOs), Chester Middleweight Paddy Lacey (7-0, 1 KO) and Billericay Middleweight George Liddard (1-0, 1 KO).
 
Refunds for tickets purchased for the March 11 event are available from the original point of purchase.

Callum Smith fights in Liverpool for the first time since 2019 when he faces undefeated world-ranked Pole Pawel Stepien at the top of a stacked card at the M&S Bank Arena on Saturday March 11 that features Liam Paro vs. Robbie Davies Jr and Diego Pacheco vs. Jack Cullen, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand). 

The WBC’s No.1 ranked Light-Heavyweight Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) returns home for a must-win clash with the IBF’s No.7 ranked 175-pounder Stepien (18-0-1, 12KOs) as he looks to secure a mouth-watering showdown with unified WBC, WBO and IBF ruler Artur Beterbiev later in the year.

Former WBA and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight World Champion ‘Mundo’ has won both of his fights at Light-Heavyweight in brutal fashion following a move up in weight after his points loss to pound-for-pound superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez at the Almodome in San Antonio, USA back in December 2020.

The 32-year-old Liverpudlian destroyed Lenin Castillo with a sickening second round KO to return to winning ways on the undercard of the first meeting between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua at the home of Tottenham Hotspur in September 2021 before taking out France’s Mathieu Bauderlique in four rounds just under a year later in Saudi Arabia. 

Szczecin’s Stepien remains unbeaten since joining the professional ranks in December 2015, with the only blemish on his 19-fight career being a draw with Marek Matyja in 2019, and the 32-year-old is ranked in the world’s top 15 with the WBO, IBF and WBA – picking up the Polish and IBF Intercontinental Light-Heavyweight Titles in 2019 and 2021 respectively. 

A stacked undercard sees Australia’s WBO Global Super-Lightweight Champion Liam Paro (23-0, 14 KOs) put his title on the line against local favourite Robbie Davies Jr (23-3, 15 KOs) following his sensational first-round KO win over fellow Aussie Brock Jarvis at the South Bank Piazza in South Brisbane last October.

One of the hottest prospects in American boxing Diego Pacheco (17-0, 14 KOs) looks to impress on his first appearance in the UK, stepping-up against Little Lever’s Jack Cullen (21-3-1, 9 KOs) in what promises to be an all-action battle for the WBO International Super-Middleweight Title. 

Romford Heavyweight sensation Johnny Fisher (7-0, 6 KOs) takes ‘The Romford Bull’ Army to Liverpool for the first time as he faces Italy’s Alfonso Damiani (6-2, 2 KOs) over eight rounds and local Light-Heavyweight Thomas Whittaker-Hart (7-1, 3 KOs) aims to avenge his first loss against Darewn’s Mickey Ellison (14-4, 5 KOs) in a rematch for the Central Area Title. 

Warrington Lightweight talent Rhiannon Dixon (7-0) squares off with Wombourne’s Vicky Wilkinson (5-0-1) for the Commonwealth Title and Oldham’s Aqib Fiaz (10-0) takes on Yeovil’s Dean Dodge (9-2-1, 3 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Featherweight, plus there’s action for Hyde’s Campbell Hatton (9-0, 3 KOs), Chester Middleweight Paddy Lacey (7-0, 1 KO) and Billericay Middleweight George Liddard (1-0, 1 KO).

“Pawel Stepien is just what I need going into the Artur Beterbiev fight,” said Smith. “He hasn’t ever tasted defeat and he’s ranked in the top 15 by 3 governing bodies. He is certainly no walkover and I know I can’t afford to make any mistakes. The prize waiting for me should I win means you’ll be seeing the best from me on March 11.”

“We always love returning to Liverpool for one of the best atmospheres in the UK, and we’ve got a stacked card from top to bottom for you all on March 11, said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Callum Smith can’t afford any slip-ups against Pawel Stepien – he’s next in line to face unified World Champion Artur Beterbiev and that’s a fight I really fancy him in if he gets past the unbeaten Pole. 

“We’re spoilt for choice with this cracking undercard, Liam Paro looked sensational last time out and Robbie Davies Jr finally gets the big fight he’s been craving. Diego Pacheco against Jack Cullen can only be fireworks and ‘The Romford Bull’ Army are going to be bringing all the noise for Johnny Fisher! Thomas Whittaker-Hart can’t afford another loss this early in his career and there’s so much more on offer. Watch it all live around the world on DAZN.”

Tickets for Smith vs. Stepien are priced £40, £60, £100, £150 and £300 (VIP).

Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Tuesday February 7. Priority ticket info will be emailed directly to eligible members ahead of the on-sale time. 

General Sale tickets can be purchased via Stage Front and the M&S Bank Arena from midday on Wednesday February 8.

GLENDALE, Ariz. —  A Trilogy ended. But the rivalry continues.

Juan Francisco Estrada-Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez 3 was a bout that promised a definitive conclusion. But it didn’t happen. Once again, they proved to be more than rivals. They’re equals  

The third bout was much like the second. Estrada won a majority decision Saturday night at Desert Diamond Arena. He won on two scorecards, 116-112 and 115-113. On the third card, it was a draw, 114-114. On the 15 Rounds card, it was also a draw. Anybody for a fourth?

“If he wants the fourth fight, I think we can do it,” Estrada (44-3, 28 KOs) said after winning the World Boxing Council’s vacant 115-pound title.

It sounded as if Chocolatito (51-4, 41 KOs) didn’t know what to think.

When asked about a  third sequel he joked:

“As long as they pay well.”

For now, however, his future  remains uncertain. A 35-year-old fighter coming off a difficult loss is always confronted with one question: What’s next?

“I have to talk to my family,” Chocolatito said.

His legacy is already in place. Among history’s little guys, the skillful Nicaraguan was the first to be ranked No. 1 in the pound-for-pound debate. His spot in the Hall of Fame is already waiting. Even in the wake of Saturday’s defeat, he left the ring with only respect. There will be plenty of debate about the scorecards. But the bout was a critical success. It was a sustained battle between fighters as skillful as any in any weight class.

 Caution prevailed throughout most of the first two rounds. Estrada stayed out of range, capitalizing on his superior reach with an effective jab. All the while, Chocolatito maintained a careful, almost deliberate presence. His defense was primary. His gloves were up, protecting his face and head like a fortress. Yet behind that impenetrable mask, there were the calculating eyes of man on a scouting mission. He was searching — hunting — for opportunities to attack.

He began to find them in the third. Suddenly the pace changed. It accelerated. Chocolatito became the aggressor, tirelessly moving forward, shrinking the distance between him and his  old rival. Me-hi-co, Me-hi-co, the crowd roared. It was an Estrada crowd, mostly Mexican partisans there in full-throated support of a native son, a fisherman’s son who was born about 215 miles south of Glendale in the Mexican fishing village of Puerto Penasco.

Estrada came into the ring wearing a shirt that said Sonora, his home state in Mexico. But it’s also the name of the desert that stretches from Mexico to the urban sprawl that surrounds Phoenix. For one night at least, this Son of Sonora reigned over the desert and Chocolatito. 

They were moments when it looked as if Chocolatito would prevail. He backed Estrada onto the ropes, landing quick, precise shots. At times, Estrada looked off-balance. But he answered every assault with energy in his feet and power shots thrown from a distance. The crowd could see his punches. The judges could score them.

In the end, they were just enough to make a difference, one that would probably be there all over again in a fourth or fifth or sixth fight.

“All fights are difficult and all fights are different,” said Chocolatito, now 1-2 against Estrada over 36 rounds.

Maybe so. But in a third meeting, not a whole lot had changed between two fighters, equal in almost every way.

Julio Cesar Martinez retains WBC title

It was more of a chase than a fight.

Julio Cesar Martinez did all the chasing, pursuing a circling, backpedaling  Samuel Carmona. 

Round-and-round, they went, a not-so-merry-go-round that ended in boos and probably left Martinez (19-2, 14 KOs) a little dizzy, yet still in possession of the World Boxing Council’s 112-pound belt in the final bout before the Estrada-Chocolatito showdown Saturday night. 

Still, the result was a head-scratcher. Martinez won. But only by majority decision. Two judges had it about right, 117-111 and 116-112, both for Martinez. But on Kevin Scott’s card, it was 114-114. A draw. Dizzy. 

Carmona would have got a draw only if it had been a footrace. It wasn’t. It was a fight, and Martinez most of that. 

Carmona (8-1, 4 KOs), a former Spanish Olympian, never showed a willingness to engage in many punching exchanges, perhaps because of a hand injury. He rarely threw his right hand. The Spaniard had a tattoo of Sugar Ray Leonard’s face on the outside of his left calf. He had some of Leonard’s footwork. But none of his punches. 

Diego Pacheco blows out Luna

Diego Pacheco didn’t need much time.

He only needed power.

Pacheco (17-0, 14 KOs), of Los Angeles, had plenty of the latter, wiping out Adrian Luna within two rounds in a super-middleweight bout on the DAZN portion of the Estrada-Chocolatito card.

His long right hand is precise and punishing. It landed quickly and often enough to put Luna (24-9-2, 16 KOs) on the canvas three times. At 2:08 of the round, referee Tony Zaino ended it.

Rosales scores unanimous decision in a unanimous thriller

Forget all those assumptions about flyweights. There’s nothing diminutive about them.

The proof of that began to unfold in a terrific exhibition of little guys with gigantic hearts in the DAZN opener of a card featuring the Lords of the Flies, Juan Francisco Estrada versus Ramon “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, at Desert Diamond Arena.Saturday night.

Cristofer Rosales, a former flyweight champion from Nicaragua, and Joselito Velazquez, of Mexico, delivered some very big surprises in a give-and-take battle in DAZN’s initial bout on the live-stream schedule.

Rosales (35-6, 21 KOs) won it, scoring a unanimous decision. It was 97-93 on all three cards. It was also a unanimous crowd pleaser. Velazquez (15-1-1, 10 KOs) started fast moving forward and firing lightning fast hands at a backpedaling Rosales. After two rounds, it looked as if it would be a rout. 

It wasn’t. 

Rosales made sure of it, first coming off the ropes like a freight train with heavy handed blows that stopped Velazquez dead in his tracks  Rosales would repeat the sequence again in the eighth, all the while landing blows that turned Velazquez’ left eye into a swollen bruise.

In the end, the crowd roared, Velazquez applauded and Rosales celebrated.

The Flies created a buzz.

Austin Williams wins one-sided decision

Austin Williams threw lefts, rights, head-rocking blows and a few questionable ones He screamed. He mocked  He taunted. 

Translation: Williams (13-0, 9 KOs), of Houston, did whatever he wanted to. Almost. What he didn’t do, however, was bring an early end to a messy 10-round middleweight fight against Simon Madsen (13-1, 10 KOs), a Dane living and training in Cancun

There was no knockout. But it was a rout, a Williams’ victory on cards that were unanimous in his favor and stacked in every way against a Dane whose trunks said Viking. Williams cruised.  

Marc Castro wins lopsided decision

Marc Castro’s many dimensions include agile feet, a long jab and sneaky ability to switch from right to left, left to right. It all added up to a few too many dimensions for Mexican lightweight Maikol Lopez in a lopsided decision on Estrada-Chocolatito undercard.

Castro (9-0, 6 KOs), a former national amateur champion from Fresno, confused Lopez (16-4, 8 KOs) early and then began to exhaust him with hooks to the body and rocking rights to the head. By the seventh round, he took a knee. It looked as if he was finished. He wasn’t. He soldiered on through an eighth and final round. But it didn’t matter on the scorecards, unanimous for Castro.    

Los Angeles SuperFly Herrera dominates, scoring a third-round TKO

Anthony Herrera calls himself Super-Foo. Forget the Foo. But the Super was there with an overwhelming third-round stoppage Christian Sullivan, a super-flyweight from Casa Grande, Ariz., who had no counter for what Herrera threw at him.

Herrera (4-0-1), of Los Angeles, knocked down Sullivan with a short right early in the third. Suddenly stunned, Sullivan (8-1) dropped his hands. He was defenseless as Herrera stepped up his assault. At 1:44 of the third, his corner ended it.

First Bell: Brazilian Olympic medalist Beatriz Ferriera scores powerful TKO 

 It began early. Ended early, too.

Beatriz Ferriera, an Olympic silver medalist from Brazil, kicked the Juan Francisco Estrada-Roman Gonzalez show into gear with a powerful start Saturday, stopping Carisse Brown (7-3, 4 KOs) within two rounds at Desert Diamond Arena.

Ferriera (2-0, 1 KO) flashed power in both hands. She drove Brown into the ropes in the first, forcing a stand eight count. She dropped Brown to one knee early in the second. Seconds later, referee Joey Chavez had seen enough. He ended it at 1:20 of the round.  

LAS VEGAS — Only the argument continues.

A third fight between Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena was supposed to settle it, once and for all. The third fight was way past its due date. Still, fans screamed for an answer. History begged for something definitive.

That didn’t happen.

Instead, it was more of the same. Twelve more rounds of no knockdowns. Twelve more rounds and three more scorecards. There have been 36 rounds in all. There was a controversial draw in the first one. There was a controversial majority decision won by Canelo in the second one.

In the third, not much changed. The scorecard margins were bigger. Canelo (58-2-2, 39 KOs) won again, this time by two points on two cards (Steve Weisfeld and David Sutherland) and by four on the third (Dave Moretti).

The decision was unanimous for the first time. Yet, the margins were still close enough to argue some more. But that argument figures to out-live the rivalry. Time is putting an end to it. Don’t expect a fourth fight. For the record, Canelo had the edge, winning two-thirds of the trilogy

If there was any momentum in the rivalry, Canelo had it. At 32, however, he had time on his side.

At 40, GGG did not. For him, retirement is near. He had his moments in the third fight, especially in the later rounds. He backed up Canelo with solid jabs in the ninth and again in the 10th. But even that was almost predictable.

Canelo, the aggressor in the opening rounds, started to show some fatigue midway through the bout. His feet quit moving. GGG knew that would happen. The crowd expected it. It had already seen Canelo tire, especially in his loss by decision to light-heavyweight Dmitry Bivol last May.

A subtle, yet significant, difference this time was that Canelo responded, fought back his fatigue, with a burst of energy and a couple of head-rocking combinations.

This time, he prevailed exactly at the same time he failed in May.

“The loss was good for me,’’ said Canelo, still the undisputed super-middleweight champion. “It made me humble. “I’m going to move forward. I’m going to get back at work on my legacy.’’

It was evident that the move forward will not include GGG (42-2-1, 37 KOs). After years of angry exchanges and insults, the two hugged after the scorecards were announced Saturday. It was as if they were saying goodbye.

“Thank you so much, I said to him,’’ said Canelo, who collected the lion’s share of a $65-million total purse.

When asked if there was finally peace between Golovkin and Canelo, GGG said: “Yes, 100-percent.’’

GGG, still the middleweight champion, also seemed ready to move on. There’s been talk of a retirement fight in Kazakhstan, his home country. There’s also a likely place in the Hall of Fame.

“I have a great plan,’’ GGG said. “I have a lot of appointments. Congrats today Canelo, congrats fans. Remember, I’m still champion at 160. I come back guys, I’m still champion. I want to shake hands with Canelo. If you don’t understand, you don’t understand anything.”

He shook hands. He also gained some hard-earned appreciation from a crowd that sounded hostile before the bout and throughout the early rounds

The chants started early. Ca-nel-o, Ca-nel-o. Me-he-co, Me-he-co. One sounded like the other. A man and his country, in sync in song and purpose.

Canelo started early, too, energized by a roaring crowd seemingly attached to him like the green, white and red on the Mexican flag

The opening bell sounded not long after some in the crowd booed the Kazakhstan anthem. Golovkin had to hear it. The echoes shook the building. But it was impossible to detect if they had any impact on GGG, a somewhat enigmatic edifice throughout his long career at the top of the middleweight division.

He made his ring walk through hostility, looking very much like prey headed to slaughter. But he endured Canelo’s early assaults and countered with some of his own late.

In the end, he survived and kept himself in an argument without an answer.

Or a clear-cut winner.

Jesse Rodriguez struggles, yet wins unanimous decision

Jesse Rodriguez promised super-stardom. The promise is still there. But for one night it went unfulfilled.

Nothing super about Rodriguez Saturday night.

He struggled throughout  a dull performance in a 115-pound title defense against Israel Gonzalez in the last fight before Canelo Alvarez-Gennediy Golovkin at T-Mobile Arena.

Put it this way: The super-fly champion was a super disappointment. Rodriguez survived, winning a unanimous decision over Israel Gonzalez by some questionable scores. It was 118-100 on one card. It was 117-110 on another. Only a 114-113 card appeared to be accurate.

Rodriguez (17-0, 11 KOs), a likable little guy from San Antonio and a leading contender Fighter of the Year, never had any of the stuff indicated by his nickname.There was no Bam. 

For a while, there was more bum than bam. 

Rodriguez was warned for one blow. He then was penalized one point for one that put Gonzalez on his hands and knees. In the eleventh, Rodriguez put Gonzalez (28-5-1, 11 KOs), of Mexico, down again. Video showed it was another low. But referee Kenny Bayless didn’t see it on a night when a couple of judges didn’t see much either.

Ali Akhmedov scores shutout decision over Rosado

Ali Akhmedov had it all.  There was precision. There was power. Put them together, and the result was a shutout.

Akhmedov (19-1, 14 KOs), Gennadiy Golovkin’s fellow Kazak, had all the points, too, winning every round in a one-sided decision over Gabe Rosado (26-16-1, 15 KOs) in the second fight on the DAZN pay-per-view card featuring Canelo-GGG 3. Rosado’s counter was only his toughness. It allowed the Philadelphia fighter to go the distance, 10 rounds. But there was nothing on his side of the judges’ cards.  

Austin Williams wins unanimous decision

Houston middleweight Austin Williams calls himself Ammo. He had just enough of it to score a unanimous decision over Kieron Conway to open the DAZ pay-per-view card featuring the third Canelo Alvarez-Gennady Golovkin fight Saturday night.

Williams (12-0, 10 KOs) scored a quick knockdown in the ninth round. It put him in control of an otherwise dull bout. Conway (10-3-1, 4 KOs), of the UK, didn’t have enough power to hurt Williams.He also lacked the kind of power he needed to keep Williams off of him.

Diego Pacheco scored fifth-round TKO

Call it the boom before the pay-per-view.

Los Angeles super-middleweight Diego Pacheco (16-0, 13 KOs) closed the non-televised portion of the Canelo-GGG3  show with the kind of finish that begged for an encore. 

Canelo promised a knockout. 

Pacheco delivered one.

He dropped Puerto Rican Enrigue Collazo (16-3-1, 11 KOs) onto the canvas in a knockdown that echoed throughout a mostly-empty T-Mobile Arena.  Seconds later at 2:29 of the fifth round, it was over, a fight stopped after it was evident that Collazo  had been left dazed and defenseless.. 

Lightweight Marc Castro scores scary KO

It was beautiful. Scary, too

Fresno lightweight Marc Castro (8-0, 6 KOs) delivered it — a right-uppercut — precisely and powerfully, knocking Kevin Montiel Mendoza (6-2-2, 3 KOs) flat on his back in dramatic a fifth-round KO in the third fight on the non-televised portion of the Canelo Alvarez-Gennadiy Golvkin 3 card.

Mendoza remained motionless for several long moments as the ringside physician and his cornermen stood over him. Finally, he was helped to his feet and on to a stool, where he sat, also for several long moments. Then, Castro walked across the ring to make sure he was KO. That’s when Mendoza climbed to his feet and congratulated his powerful foe, a stoppage winner at 1:40 of the fifth.

Aaron Aponte and Fernando Molina battled to an eight-round split draw in a super lightweight contest.

In round two, Aponte dropped Molina with a left hook to the head. In round four, it was a combination that was finished off by a right to the head that put Molina on the deck.

Aponte is now 6-0-1. Molina is 8-0-1

Anthony Herrera won a five-round technical unanimous decision over Delvin Mckinney in a six-round super flyweight bout.

McKinney was cut and could not continue. Herrera won by scores of 50-45 on all cards.

Herrera is 3-0-1. McKinney is 4-4-1.

Diego Pacheco is ready to deliver on the big stage again – and does so on the undercard of a he goes for his first title against Enrique Collazo on the undercard of the trilogy clash between Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night (September 17).
 
The event, presented by Matchroom, Canelo Promotions and GGG Promotions, will broadcast live on DAZN Pay-Per-View in the U.S. and Canada as well as around the world on DAZN (excluding Mexico, Latin America, and Kazakhstan). 
 

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW VIA AXS.COM
Pacheco (15-0 12 KOs) has been imperious in the paid ranks and after winning his first ten round contest by forcing Raul Ortega to retire after four rounds in Guadalajara in June, and now meets Collazo for the vacant WBC USNBC Silver strap in his first bout with a belt on the line.

Canelo is the king of the Super-Middleweight division, and this is the second time that Pacheco has fought on the undercard of the Mexican superstar in February 2021 in Miami. Alvarez employed Pacheco for sparring ahead of his clash with Briton Callum Smith in December 2020 due to their similar size, and Pacheco impressed the champion, who’s trilogy clash with fierce foe Golovkin has special significance for Pacheco.

“On the date of Canelo-GGG II, that’s the day that I signed my contract with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom,” said Pacheco. “This has brought back so many memories and I’m honored to be on the card. I’m so grateful for where I am, and I just want to make the most of these opportunities. 

“I was part of Canelo’s camp for the Callum Smith fight in San Antonio, and I was meant to be on the undercard too, but I got sick in the build-up. I got in trouble too because I didn’t want to tell anyone at first that I was sick because I really wanted to fight on the card, but I could have got Canelo sick and COVID was around then so I had to stop training and I couldn’t fight. So, it’s great to be here now.

“Canelo is so strong. Even blocking or parrying his jabs, you can feel the power, his hands are like rocks. I was told I was only going to spar three rounds with Canelo, but then after three I was looking good, and I was moving well, and it was good for him, so it was ‘let’s do one more’ and ‘let’s do one more’. 

“We did six rounds and then I went back in again, so that made me feel good and working with David Benavidez is great for me, I’m doing lots of rounds with him and it’s all boosting my confidence. I’m a big GGG fan but I think that Canelo takes the third one.”

Pacheco’s clash with Collazo is part of a huge night of action in Vegas, topped by the epic trilogy battle between Canelo and Golovkin.

The co-main fight stars Super-Flyweight sensation Jesse Rodriguez defending his WBC World title against Israel Gonzalez, there’s fireworks promised as Ali Akhmedov and Gabriel Rosado will clash for the IBF North American Super-Middleweight title and Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams fights for his second pro title as he takes on Kieron Conway for the vacant WBA International Middleweight title.

Three more young talents complete the stacked card, as Marc Castro appears on his fifth Canelo undercard against Kevin Montiel Mendoza, Aaron Aponte mixes it up against Canelo Promotions’ unbeaten prospect Fernando Molina also over eight and Anthony Herrera gets the chance to bounce back to winning ways on the biggest stage as he takes on Delvin McKinley.

All that action leads into the third installment of the classic modern rivalry between Canelo and Golovkin, with the Mexican king putting his undisputed Super-Middleweight crown on the line against Kazakhstan’s reigning WBA and IBF Middleweight ruler in the most anticipated match up of 2022.

Diego Pacheco has extended his promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom and will fight for his first pro title when he meets Enrique Collazo for the WBC USNBC Silver Super-Middleweight title on the undercard of the trilogy clash between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Gennadiy ‘GGG’ Golovkin at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday September 17. The event, presented by Matchroom, Canelo Promotions and GGG Promotions, will broadcast live on DAZN Pay-Per-View in the U.S. and Canada as well as around the world on DAZN (excluding Mexico, Latin America, and Kazakhstan).

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Pacheco (15-0 12 KOs) has been a revelation in the paid ranks, cruising to 15-0 and ending 12 of those fights inside the distance since turning pro in December 2018. 

The 21 year old has already recorded two wins inside four rounds in 2022, with his last outing in June in Mexico his first over ten rounds, and now the rangy talent gets another first with a belt on the line in his second battle over ten.

In the opposite corner stands Collazo (16-2-1 11 KOs) the 2012 Olympian and six-time Puerto Rican National champion. The 33 year old also fights for his first title in Las Vegas and both men are excited to get the chance to land their first hardware on a blockbuster night in Sin City.

“I am very excited to be extending my promotional deal with Matchroom because they’ve done a great job working with me as a prospect and now it’s time to get into the contender’s conversation,” said Pacheco. “On September 17, I will be showing everyone once again that I am here to stay.”

“Very excited and grateful for the opportunity to fight on this card,” said Collazo. “It’s going to be another historic fight between Puerto Rico vs Mexico. Proud to be representing my Island and I am very confident I will win this fight.”

“I am delighted that Diego has committed his future to Matchroom,” said Hearn. “Diego has taken to the pro game so well and on September 17, he takes the next step with his first title fight.

“Enrique will provide a stiff examination, but I believe Diego will show what we see in him – a future World champion and a young man that will begin climbing the rankings in the second half of the year and be hot on the heels of the contenders at 168lbs.”

Pacheco’s clash with Collazo is the latest bout to be added to the huge Vegas bill, with Super-Flyweight sensation Jesse Rodriguez will defend his WBC World title against Israel Gonzalez as the co-main event and Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams taking on Kieron Conway for the vacant WBA International Middleweight title, all leading into the third installment of the classic modern rivalry between Canelo and Golovkin, with the Mexican king putting his undisputed Super-Middleweight crown on the line against Kazakhstan’s reigning WBA and IBF Middleweight ruler in the most anticipated match up of 2022.