Pacheco Rejects Alimkhanuly Title Shot For Fulghum Bout

Diego Pacheco has reportedly turned down another title opportunity, this time opting to face Darius Fulghum on November 14th on TNT and DAZN instead of pursuing the now-vacant WBO middleweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">super middleweight belt against Janibek Alimkhanuly.

According to Bad Left Hook, citing reports from Darshan Desai and Dan Rafael, the unbeaten Pacheco will top Matchroom's "The Fight" card against Fulghum despite sitting at No. 2 in the WBO rankings. The belt became available after Hamzah Sheeraz withdrew from his mandatory defense against Alimkhanuly last weekend, opening a clear path for Pacheco to challenge for the strap.

Pacheco's Holding Pattern Continues

Pacheco stopped Immanuwel Aleem in July to improve to 26-0 with 19 knockouts, ending a three-fight drought without a stoppage. The Los Angeles native has passed on multiple championship chances this year, previously declining bouts with Sheeraz and Christian Mbilli in addition to the current Alimkhanuly vacancy.

Fulghum brings a 15-1-1 record with 13 knockouts into the contest. The Michigan native dropped a close decision to Bektemir Melikuziev in a WBA eliminator last year after absorbing a final-round knockdown, then fought to a draw with David Stevens before rebounding with a knockout of Yanki Urruita in May.

Pacheco also ranks No. 3 with the WBC behind Canelo Alvarez and Jacob Bank. If Canelo defeats Mbilli next month, Bank could emerge as the next mandatory challenger for Alimkhanuly's WBO title.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — Diego Pacheco vs Darius Fulghum reportedly set for November 14th on TNT