Diego Pacheco Triumphs with Ninth-Round Knockout Over Marcelo Coceres

November 20, 2023
From: Spartacus

The boxing ring, a stage where legends are born and dreams are realized, witnessed the ascent of Diego Pacheco, an emerging force in the super middleweight division. Diego Pacheco, a young super middleweight boxer, has recently captivated the boxing world with a string of impressive victories, the latest being a defining ninth-round knockout against the seasoned Marcel Coceres. This bout, held as a main event in Los Angeles by Matchroom Boxing/DAZN, was more than just a victory for Pacheco; it represented a considerable leap towards his goal of a world title fight.

Diego Pacheco, with an unblemished record of 20-0, including 17 knockouts, faced a formidable opponent in Marcelo Coceres, a veteran with a record of 32-6-1 and 18 KOs. Pacheco, only 22, demonstrated a maturity beyond his years, showcasing a blend of superior skill, swift hand speed, and the power of a devastating right hand.

The fight was Pacheco’s third of 2023, following impressive victories earlier in the year. In February, he traveled to London’s Echo Arena, where he dispatched Jack Cullen in four rounds. July saw him in Mexico, stopping Manuel Gallegos, again in four rounds. These victories set the stage for his encounter with Coceres, a battle-hardened warrior from Argentina.

The match began with Pacheco establishing control, utilizing a potent jab that Coceres found difficult to navigate. Pacheco complemented his jab with heavy right-hand strikes, demonstrating his ability to mix up his attacks effectively. Coceres, not one to back down easily, tried to target the body in the third round, hoping to slow Pacheco’s momentum.

However, as the fight progressed, it became apparent that Pacheco was more than capable of handling the pressure. Despite a clash of heads in the fourth round that left Pacheco with a cut on his left cheek, he maintained his composure and strategy.

Coceres made his presence felt in the fifth round, landing solid left hands. Pacheco absorbed these well and continued to use his jab as a primary weapon, moving and circling the ring with purpose. In the sixth, Pacheco created distance and controlled the round, though Coceres had his moments, particularly with his left hand.

The seventh and eighth rounds saw both fighters trading blows more aggressively. Coceres pressed the action, targeting both the body and head, but Pacheco responded with hard hooks that began to take their toll on the Argentine.

As the ninth round commenced, the intensity of the bout reached its zenith. Coceres, visibly fatigued and moving sluggishly, struggled to keep pace. Pacheco seized the opportunity in a heated exchange and landed a formidable uppercut, sending Coceres crashing to the canvas. Coceres, realizing the enormity of the blow, chose not to rise, taking the full ten count, resulting in a knockout loss.

This victory was particularly poignant for Pacheco, not just as a continuation of his winning streak but as a testament to his readiness for bigger challenges. “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,” Pacheco reflected in his post-fight interview with DAZN.

Pacheco’s aspirations are clear, and his confidence is palpable. “I’m 22 years old. I’m not a big vocal guy who comes out and says it, but everyone around me says it. A lot of the boxing experts say I’m ready for the big fights. Let’s get it on,” he declared.

The win marked Pacheco’s fifth consecutive by KO or stoppage. He is ranked in the top 10 by all four major boxing organizations and hopes to climb even higher in the 168 lb. division. However, a world title shot might not be immediate, as Canelo Alvarez, the current titleholder, has his sights set on other potential contenders.

Pacheco’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has big plans for the young fighter, aiming to get him in the ring up to four times the following year. Hearn’s strategy is not just about building Pacheco’s resume but also about enhancing his brand and profile. “Building nicely here, that was his first fight in Los Angeles. We had a good crowd tonight, room for improvement,” Hearn said.

Currently ranked in the top 10 by all four major boxing organizations in the super middleweight division, Pacheco aims to ascend further in a category dominated by stars like Canelo Alvarez. However, immediate opportunities for a world title shot may be sparse, given Alvarez’s potential fights, including a bout with the winner of the David Benavidez and Demetrius Andrade fight.

Looking forward, Pacheco is set to fight up to four times in the upcoming year, with each match being a step towards his goal of a world championship. Hearn underlines the importance of Pacheco’s public engagement and media presence in building his profile. 

Diego Pacheco’s rise in the super middleweight boxing world is marked by his impressive unbeaten record, his strategic finesse, and the thoughtful planning of his career by his management. As he gears up for future challenges, the boxing community watches with keen interest, anticipating how this young talent will continue to make his mark in a sport renowned for its competitiveness and intensity.

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