Pacheco Vs Cullen Headlines Matchroom’s Liverpool Show
Callum Smith’s decision to pull-out of his scheduled fight with Pawel Stepien has offered a worldly opportunity to Jack Cullen, but it is a task backed up by some of the sport’s very best.
Diego Pacheco’s distinction as the United States’ number one amateur was always going to have promoters tussling over his signature. Since pen touched paper with Eddie Hearn in October 2018, there have been glimpses of a superstar.
Yet 18 fights deep, still Pacheco sits in the prospect bracket. That is why this UK assignment is such an important one. Win here, and he moves towards the contenders of a mega 168lb division.
It is a division headed up by Canelo Alvarez, who himself bought Pacheco into his camp for the Callum Smith fight in late 2020. It shows just how highly-recognised this young man’s talents are.
It also shows what sort of task Cullen has in front of him.
Before his crippling defeat for the European title in December 2021, Cullen was riding a wave that included big wins over Avni Yildirim and John Docherty. This, however, looks a different threat.
Pacheco is under the guidance of Jose Benavidez Sr, who has the job of honing a skillset supplemented by real athletic prowess. He is no stranger to talent, having worked out of Big Bear with Abel Sanchez, and spent time training alongside the legendary Freddie Roach.
So, for Little Lever’s Cullen, derailing this train could reap some serious reward.
But, derailing it will likely mean having to go to hell and back. Fast, long and with that youthful exuberance - Pacheco looks to do damage with every punch he throws. He has looked a tiring puzzle to solve over his 18 professional fights.
And if he is to display his excellence once again, then perhaps fans can start to get excited about a future match-up with new Matchroom star Edgar Berlanga.
There is also a big opportunity for both Robbie Davies Jr and Darragh Foley in a fight that is the result of more Matchroom misfortune.
Australian sensation Liam Paro was originally in line to feature on what was a big night in Liverpool, but a facial fracture has handed the keys to Australian-based Irishman Foley.
This isn’t the only card hit by injury, as last week it was announced that Amanda Serrano is out of her rematch with Katie Taylor. Talks were open for a replacement in Chantelle Cameron, and one can only hope that the radio silence since is a promising sign.
Regardless, we know that the show goes on in Liverpool, as the fighting city gets a glimpse of what is potentially a future great.
Pacheco can bang, so don’t blink.
To Paris, where Tony Yoka and Carlos Takam lock horns in a battle that gives me a headache to even think about. Expect the proverbial kitchen sink to be not just thrown but launched in this tasty match-up.
It’s also a big night in the French capital for our very own Dan Azeez. With the Southern-Area, English, British and Commonwealth all banked, he now has the chance to become European champion on the road against Thomas Faure.
Anyone who knows Dan knows he is one of boxing’s good guys. When I first met him, he was advertising his next fight by leaving flyers on seats at York Hall. He has done things his own way - a pretty f****** hard way - but the right way.
Go get it, Dan.
There’s action from Down Under too this weekend. The 154lb division is looking for someone to make some noise during the injured Jermell Charlo’s absence.
Step forward Tim Tzsyu and Tony Harrison. For Tzsyu, a chance to continue on a path written by his iconic father Kosta. For Harrison, a chance to earn a shot at Charlo’s undisputed crown and tee up a huge trilogy.
It’s a fun weekend on many fronts.
Oscar Bevis
Official reporter for iFL TV
