Eddie Hearn slows Diego Pacheco’s title push after Sadjo scare

Diego Pacheco’s route to a world-title fight is being slowed by Eddie Hearn after the super middleweight contender’s difficult encounter with Kevin Lele Sadjo. Pacheco stopped Immanuwel Aleem in the 11th round last month, but Matchroom is considering Bruno Surace and Armando Resendiz instead of immediately pursuing WBA champion Jaime Munguia.

Pacheco has made it clear that he wants Munguia, believing a fight with the Mexican champion would provide a belt, significant exposure in Southern California and a route towards a future meeting with Canelo Alvarez. His recent stoppage of Aleem strengthened his position, but it did not fully answer the defensive concerns raised by the Sadjo fight in December.

Sadjo knocked Pacheco down and hurt him repeatedly when he had room to attack. Pacheco often responded by tying him up, a tactic that helped him avoid sustained punishment but also drew strong criticism. The performance would have carried greater danger under a referee less tolerant of excessive holding; Malik Waleed later disqualified Caroline Veyre for that offence against Bernice Ferreira.

The central issue for Hearn is Pacheco’s ability to withstand pressure. His upright stance leaves his head open to clean punches, while his defensive reactions and reliance on clinching when hurt remain weaknesses. The Aleem fight showed patience before the stoppage, but Aleem did not apply the kind of pressure that exposed Pacheco against Sadjo.

Pacheco, who is 25, says he has moved beyond the learning phase of his career and now wants to pursue the division’s biggest names. Hearn’s plans indicate that Matchroom still sees him as a fighter who needs further seasoning before being placed in a major title contest.

Munguia is not the only possible championship target. Pacheco could also seek IBF champion Osleys Iglesias, a fight considered easier to arrange because Iglesias has less commercial value, though the sporting challenge would be tougher. A victory over either champion would give Matchroom a leading fighter to build around, while another developmental bout would keep Pacheco’s title ambitions on hold.