Jaime Munguia vs Diego Pacheco: A High Stakes Clash to Come?
In the super middleweight division, top contenders Jaime Munguia (42-0, 33KO) and Diego Pacheco (19-0, 16KO) could be on a collision course for a significant bout.
Do you recall when Oscar De La Hoya called on promoters and fighters to work together for legacy fights? This is a prime opportunity to demonstrate that his words are more than just empty rhetoric.
Munguia, who fights under the Golden Boy banner, has faced criticism for turning down opportunities to vie for a title. He accepted the #1 mandatory position to fight the undisputed champion, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, at the WBO convention. However, the undefeated Mexican may have to wait well over a year before that fight materializes. In the meantime, Munguia needs an opponent who can command the respect of boxing fans.
A COMPETITIVE ALTERNATIVE
Pacheco, with rankings of #5 IBF, #6 WBC, and #9 WBA, stands out as a person of significant interest in this narrative due to his #3 ranking with the WBO. The Californian, who fights under Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing flagship, has swiftly transitioned from prospect to contender within a year.
With the #2 WBO ranked Demetrius Andrade occupied with an upcoming bout against two-time champion David Benavidez, the Munguia vs Pacheco showdown could be the next major event in the division.
Munguia claimed the vacant WBC silver title in an all-out battle against two-time title challenger Sergiy Derevyanchenko on June 10. The Mexican fighter generated buzz across social media with the announcement of Hall of Fame Inductee Freddie Roach as his new trainer.
In his recent outing, Pacheco delivered a devastating knockout against a game Manuel Gallego in just four quick rounds. Training under the Benavidez clan, he is considered the future of the division.
