Pacheco KO's Sulecki In 6 With Liver Punch

With the focus of the Boxing world continuing to be on unified Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo" Alvarez, who will next defend his crown against undefeated Super-Middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga on September 14th, unbeaten WBO number one Super-Middleweight contender Dirgo Pacheco chose not to sit on the sidelines and wait patiently for an opportunity to face the winner of that upcoming fight, but instead to take a risk by facing former world title challenger Maciej Sulecki on August 31st at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA.

A battle of youth versus experience, what stood out to this observer was the patience of the twenty-three year old Pacheco as he simply took his time and studied what Sulecki brought with him into the fight. What was also noticeable was Pacheco’s ability to take the punches that Sulecki threw at him, which often came off of faints and were difficult to time. As the fight progressed, however, Pacheco was able to use his seventy-nine inch reach and 6’4 frame to keep the 6’1 Sulecki at distance where he constantly had to figure out a way to get on the inside of Pacheco's reach. 

As difficult of a task as that proved to be with increasing sporadic moments for Sulecki, he also could not find a way to avoid the right hand of Pacheco, who seemingly landed it at will with both straight right hands, and hooks. Pacheco continued to step up his offense and in the sixth round, he brought the fight to a sudden conclusion by throwing a right hand to the head followed by a flush left hook to the liver, which sent the veteran down in significant pain on the canvas. Sulecki, a fighter known for his durability, was unable to get up, the fight was over at fifty-four seconds of round six.

While Pacheco was favored by many prior to this fight, what makes his victory over Sulecki more impressive is the fact that Pacheco became the first fighter to stop Sulecki in thirty-five professional fights and the stoppage was a clear one where Sulecki was knocked down and unable to beat the ten count. If one were looking for a stamp that Pacheco, whom this observer said prior to this fight was at a similar stage as Berlanga, one simply could not find a better way to make a statement than what Pacheco was able to do in this fight.

Simply put, Diego Pacheco did what most want to see out of a young fighter looking for their opportunity at a world championship, to fight and turn in the type of performance that not only creates buzz and keeps both fans and experts alike talking, but also does one important thing as well. It puts his potential next opponents, in this case Saul *Canelo” Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga on notice.

" And That's The Boxing Truth.”

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Pacheco-Sulecki Preview

As the month of August 2024 draws to a close, the spotlight of the sport of Boxing will turn back to the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division. A division still dominated by unified Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo" Alvarez, the once and perhaps future undisputed king of the division. While Alvarez has not been defeated for his crown, he no longer has undisputed status as the International Boxing Federation (IBF) have stripped him off their version of the Super-Middleweight championship of the world for his refusal to fulfill his obligation to defend against undefeated IBF number one contender William Scull, who will now fight for the vacant IBF crown later this year against IBF number two rated contender Vladimir Shishkin on a date to be announced. 

Although the subject of world champions fulfilling their obligations is one that this observer has written about extensively over the many years that I have covered the sport, Alvarez, who normally does fulfill his obligations, chose instead to face one of the division's rising stars in the unbeaten Edgar Berlanga on September 14th in Las Vegas. What makes that interesting beyond the dynamic of youth versus experience is a seeming acknowledgement by Alvarez that the division is now starting to see young fighters with fan followings who are looking for their opportunity to derail him. 

One such fighter who is at a very similar position as Berlanga, but for the moment, sees himself being on the outside of the equation, looking in, is undefeated contender Diego Pacheco. Pacheco, who is unbeaten in twenty-one professional fights, with seventeen of those victories coming via knockout, one could say is at an identical stage as Berlanga, who is unbeaten in twenty-two bouts with the same number of knockouts. Boxing, however, is a sport of opportunity and for the moment, the opportunity to fight Alvarez has come for Berlanga.

Meanwhile, Pacheco, who is currently the World Boxing Organization’s (WBO) number one Super-Middleweight contender, is not choosing to sit and wait for the potential winner of Alvarez and Berlanga and will risk his number one ranking by taking on current number fourteen rated contender and former world title challenger Maciej Sulecki on August 31st at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA in a bout that can be seen on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN.

This represents a step up for Pacheco in terms of the experience of his opposition in addition to facing a former world title challenger in Sulecki. In his last fight in April of this year Pacheco scored a ten round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Shawn McCalman in Las Vegas. While there was not much to say about that outing for Pacheco beyond that he simply did what he had to do and got the job done against an opponent in McCalman, who was able to extend him to a ten round distance for the first time in his career.  It was, however, a fight that did serve as a step forward in showing that Pacheco could go ten rounds and win a convincing decision. 

An aspect that can at times be overlooked is a fighter’s development should never stop, and the day a fighter either stops learning or stops trying to improve their skillset is probably the time that they should consider a new career. In Pacheco’s case, he got to a number one ranking  in twenty-one fights and the development process is still opening. 

Although some will likely say a victory over Maciej Sulecki will not likely lead to him being next in line for the winner of Alvarez-Berlanga given the political elements that be in the sport that for better or worse are always to be considered, a victory and to be more specific one where he is able to perform well will benefit Pacheco more in terms of facing an opponent with significant experience as well as allowing him to stay active, rather than being inactive while waiting for his title shot. 

As for Maciej Sulecki, he will enter this fight having won thirty-two of thirty-four professional fights, having scored knockouts in ten of those bouts. Sulecki will also come in having won his last four fights following his loss to then WBO Middleweight world champion Demetrius Andrade via twelve round unanimous decision in June 2019.

The aspects that some might see as things that could tip things slightly in Sulecki’s favor beyond merely being the more experienced of the two fighters is he has never been stopped in his thirty-four professional fights, and while not being known for punching power, is a fighter that has shown not only Boxing ability in his career, but also an ability to go deep into fights and go the distance. Sulecki’s strategy in this fight will likely center on trying to weather Pacheco’s punching power early while looking to be elusive and try to extend the bout into the middle and late rounds. Whether he can do that, out box Pacheco, and avoid Pacheco’s power for twelve rounds remains to be seen. 

Often it is these types of fights that a contender must go through before they are able to get their opportunity to challenge for a world championship. Diego Pacheco is looking to show that he is ready for a world championship bout, Maciej Sulecki likely sees this bout as a chance to catapult himself into the discussion of potential challengers for Alvarez down the line assuming Alvarez gets by Berlanga. With much on the line for both fighters we will see who will be able to take the next step forward. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

Pacheco vs. Sulecki takes place on Saturday, August 31st at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA. The fight as well as it's full undercard can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT. 

(*U.S. Times Only*) 

(*Card and Start Times Subject to Change.*

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

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Schedule Update

We would like to let our readers know that a preview discussing the upcoming Super-Middleweight encounter between undefeated top contender Diego Pacheco and former world title challenger Maciej Sulecki is currently in the works and will be released here on The Boxing Truth®️ on Thursday, August 29th. In the interim, any content that is sent in from parties throughout the sport will be made available for readers as they come in. Stay tuned. 

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JAIME MUNGUIA TO RETURN AGAINST MACIEJ SULECKI IN DEFENSE OF WBO INTERCONTINENTAL MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE

 Press Release: By DAZN – BEKTEMIR ‘BULLY’ MELIKUZIEV TO FACE ‘KING’ GABRIEL ROSADO IN CO-MAIN EVENT

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 19 AT UTEP DON HASKINS CENTER IN EL PASO, TEXAS AND LIVE ON DAZN

 

Tickets still on sale!

 

EL PASO, Texas (April 28, 2021) – Jaime Munguia (36-0, 29 KOs) will return to the ring on June 19 against Maciej Sulecki (29-2, 11 KOs) in a 12-round defense of his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship. The fight will take place at The University of Texas at El Paso’s Don Haskins Center and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico. 

Credit: DAZN 

 

The event will be held under strict COVID-19 fan safety protocols and with a reduced event capacity below 40%. For detailed COVID-19 event safety fan protocols, click here or visit http://www.utepspecialevents.com. 

 

“Although there have been several changes, we are happy because things are back on track for Jaime Munguia’s return on June 19,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “I’m confident that he will deliver a tremendous performance against Maciej Sulecki and show everyone why he deserves an opportunity to become a two-division world champion. At the same time, we’re very excited to have Bektemir Melikuziev face a real tough test against Gabriel Rosado. If he can look impressive against Rosado, then a world title shot will be just around the corner.”

 

Munguia is a 24-year-old former world champion from Tijuana, Mexico who leaped onto to the highest levels of the super welterweight division by knocking out Sadam "World Kid" Ali to capture the WBO title. Munguia then defended his title against Liam "Beefy" Smith, Brandon "Bad Boy" Cook, Takeshi Inoue, Dennis Hogan and Patrick Allotey. After five defenses at junior middleweight, Munguia moved up to 160 pounds to capture the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title against Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan, which he defended against Tureano Johnson. Despite many changes to his upcoming fight, Munguia will look to make his case for a world title opportunity at 160 pounds.

 

“I feel very excited to be returning on June 19,” said Jaime Munguia. “I know it will be a tremendous fight against Maciej Sulecki. I think he is a great fighter, and I will make sure to deliver a great fight to all the fans in El Paso, Texas and to everyone who will be watching from home. Thank you very much for your support.”

 

Sulecki is a Polish contender who has scored knockout victories against Hugo “The Boss” Centeno Jr. and countryman Grzegorz Proksa. The 31-year-old puncher has only suffered two defeats, which were against Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs and Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade. Though pulling out of the initial fight date due to an injury, Sulecki is ready to return to the ring on June 19.

 

“There have been many changes, but I am happy that things will take place as planned,” said Maciej Sulecki. “I know that a victory against Jaime Munguia will put me on the path to challenge for a world title. That’s why securing this fight was very important to me. I feel great, and I am totally ready to show the world that I can compete against the best in the division.”

 

“I can’t wait for June 19,” said Leon Margules, President of Warrior’s Boxing. “Although the original date has been changed, the result will remain the same. Maciej Sulecki will dominate Jaime Munguia. I have no doubt.”

 

In the co-main event, rising Uzbek contender Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (7-0, 6 KOs) will face his toughest test to date against former world title challenger “King” Gabriel Rosado (25-13-1, 14 KOs) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental and WBA Continental Americas Super Middleweight Titles. 

 

Ibeth “La Roca” Zamora (32-6, 12 KOs) of San Cristobal Huichochitlan, Toluca, Mexico will defend her WBC flyweight world championship against Olympic bronze medalist Marlen Esparza (9-1, 1 KO) of Houston, Texas in a 10-round fight.

 

Welterweight contender Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (14-0-1, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada will fight Brad “King” Soloman (29-3, 9 KOs) of Lafayette, Louisiana in the 10-round opener of the DAZN stream.

 

Additional undercard fights will be streamed live via Facebook Watch.

 

Topping the undercard presentation is an exciting battle between two Golden Boy welterweights as Raul Curiel (9-0, 7 KOs) of Tampico, Mexico and Ferdinand Keroyban (14-1, 9 KOs) of North Hollywood, California meet in a 10-round fight.

 

Exciting southpaw contender Alexis “Lex” Rocha (16-1, 10 KOs) of Santa Ana, California will look to bounce back from his first defeat in a 10-round 147-pound battle against James Bacon (26-4, 17 KOs) of Cebu, Philippines.

 

Irish prospect Aaron McKenna (11-0, 7 KOs) will face Carlos Ortiz (12-5, 12 KOs) of Torreon, Mexico in an eight-round middleweight bout.

 

Fiodor Czerkaszyn (17-0, 11 KOs) of Warsaw, Poland will participate in a 10-round middleweight fight.

 

Evan Sanchez (8-0, 6 KOs) of Parlier, California will return in a six-round welterweight clash against Hector Coronado(5-0, 4 KOs) of Del Rio, Texas.

 

Chris “Milly” Ousley (12-0, 9 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois will participate in a six-round junior middleweight battle against Sanny Duversonne (11-3-2, 8 KOs) of Avon Park, Florida.

 

Manuel Flores (9-0, 6 KOs) of Coachella, California will open the night in a six-round super bantamweight clash.

 

Opponents for Czerkaszyn and Flores will be announced shortly.

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved. 

D’MITRIUS ‘BIG MEECH’ BALLARD STEPS IN TO FACE JAIME MUNGUIA FOR THE WBO INTERCONTINENTAL MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP APRIL 23RD On DAZN

 

Press Release: By DAZN – EL PASO, TEXAS (April 8, 2021) – Middleweight contender D’Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard (20-0-1, 13 KOs) will step in to face Jaime Munguia (36-0, 29 KOs) for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship after Maciej Sulecki was forced to pull out of the fight due to an injury. The event will now take place on Friday, April 23 at The University of Texas at El Paso’s Don Haskins Center and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico, beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/7:00 p.m. MDT/9:00 p.m. ET. 

Credit: DAZN 

 

The event will be held under strict COVID-19 fan safety protocols and with a reduced event capacity below 40%. For detailed COVID-19 event safety fan protocols, click here or visit http://www.utepspecialevents.com. 

 

Updated ticket information is available at the bottom of this release.

 

“D’Mitrius Ballard has been deserving of an opportunity like this for a while now,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “This is the chance to finally demonstrate to the world that he’s ready for the top guys in the division. We wish Maciej Sulecki a quick recovery, but we also we want to emphasize that Ballard is no mere replacement. He’s a real threat.”

 

Ballard is a 28-year-old contender who boasts a decorated amateur career in which he won several national championships. In 2013, the native of Temple Hills, Maryland began his professional career with a knockout victory against Kelly Henderson. Since then, Ballard has steadily moved up the rankings, taking on tough competitors such as Victor "Sina" Fonseca and Alan "Amenaza" Campa. Ballard, who is anxious to make his mark on the division on April 23, is coming off a majority draw against Olympic bronze medalist Yamaguchi Falcao.

 

“I feel very fortunate and blessed to have the opportunity to fight against Jaime Munguia,” said D’Mitrius Ballard. “I feel extremely blessed especially because of the condition the world is now in with COVID-19 and all the issues we are facing. This is the perfect opportunity to really showcase who D’Mitirus Ballard is and demonstrate my boxing abilities. I’m going to use this fight to re-introduce myself to the world.”

 

“These things happen in boxing, and I’ve always had the mentality that I have to be prepared for any opponent,” said Jaime Munguia. “I know that D’Mitrius Ballard is a great fighter with a lot of experience as an amateur and a professional, so I expect to deliver a great fight to get even closer to the world title opportunity.”

 

# # #

 

Munguia vs. Ballard is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title. The fight will take place on Friday, April 23 at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico, beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/7:00 p.m. MDT/9:00 p.m. ET.

 

Tickets for Munguia vs. Ballard are on sale now and are priced at $200, $100, $60 and $35 not including applicable service charges. In an effort to promote social distancing, tickets will be sold in pods/groupings of 2, 3, 4 and 6 people only. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 915-747-5234. Tickets will also be available for purchase at http://www.utepspecialevents.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

 

Fans who have already purchased tickets for Saturday, April 24 and would like to still attend Munguia vs. Ballard, your tickets and seating location are still valid for the new date and no further action is required. Ticket buyers who purchased tickets for April 24 through Ticketmaster or the UTEP Box Office and would like a refund, you can go back to your original point of purchase and request a full refund. Refund requests will be honored up until Wednesday, April 14.

 

Fans who purchased tickets on StubHub, or any other secondary ticket provider, should contact the provider’s customer service staff regarding the impacted date change. The UTEP box office, nor Ticketmaster, are not able to facilitate any credits, exchanges or refunds for tickets not purchased directly through them.

 

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaBallard.

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of DAZN Used with permission. 

 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.