Pacheco Calls Out Munguia For WBA Super Middleweight Title

Diego Pacheco wants Jaime Munguia.

The unbeaten middleweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">super middleweight contender told The Ring Magazine that he is ready to step up to world-title level after stopping Immanuwel Aleem in the 11th round last month. Pacheco, ranked No. 6 by The Ring at 168 pounds, says promoter Eddie Hearn had suggested fights against Armando Resendiz and Bruno Surace to continue his development, but the 25-year-old Los Angeles native believes the seasoning phase is behind him.

Why Pacheco Wants Munguia Over Other Champions

"I've been looked at as high-risk, low-reward before, but I've been promised a world title fight in this contract with Matchroom, and hopefully we can get that. I want a big-name opponent next," Pacheco told The Ring. He singled out Munguia because of the WBA champion's profile and drawing power, adding that beating someone under Eddy Reynoso's guidance could lead to a shot at Canelo Alvarez.

Pacheco acknowledged each champion at middleweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">super middleweight presents a tough challenge, but framed Munguia as the most commercially appealing target. A bout between the two would likely land in Los Angeles, where Pacheco believes the fans would pack the venue. He has declined fights against Christian Mbilli and Hamzah Sheeraz over the past year, but now says he is prepared to face anyone in the division, including titleholder Osleys Iglesias and contenders like Caleb Plant, Jermall Charlo, Edgar Berlanga, and Demetrius Andrade.

"I'm in the second stage of my career now where the learning stage is over," Pacheco said. "Now it's time to go all in and really build that legacy, and I'm going to get there by finding the top names." He improved to 26-0 with 19 knockouts in the Aleem fight and is working with new trainer Buddy McGirt. No date or opponent has been confirmed for his next outing.

Source: ringmagazine.com