On Saturday, January 25, Diego Pacheco (23-0, 18 KOs) shined in Las Vegas as he outpointed Steven Nelson (21-1, 16 KOs). The LA native won by unanimous decision with the judge’s scorecards reading 117-111 x3. Pacheco is rising fast through the super middleweight rankings to the top of a division that is led by the legendary Canelo Alvarez. Following his win over Nelson, his trainer Jose Benavidez Sr. had his say over a potential Canelo fight.
Benavidez Sr. Explains Why Canelo Alvarez Would Avoid Diego Pacheco
Benavidez Sr. Highlights Pacheco’s Strengths
Pacheco extended his unbeaten record on Jan. 25 with a dominant performance against the tough and experienced Steven Nelson. The 23-year-old continues to rise through the super middleweight ranks, passing each test with flying colours.
Read More: Five Super Middleweight Fighters to Watch in 2025
Ranked number one in the WBO, the Renton fighter possesses a skill set that makes him a major threat to any super middleweight. With an eight-inch reach advantage over Canelo, Pacheco could present a complex puzzle for the Mexican champion to solve.
Benavidez Sr. Talks Canelo vs. Pacheco
Benavidez Sr. trains Pacheco and following the Nelson victory he revealed his belief that Alvarez would avoid a clash with the 23-year-old: “You know, Canelo would never take a fight with Diego Pacheco.”
“He’s strong, rangy, he uses his jab very well, super young, and he’s getting better and better and better. So, if Canelo’s here, you know, he’s ready. He’s ready to take that challenge. And I think that would be a great fight,” said Benavidez Sr.
“But we’re ready for whatever. You know, I think [promoter] Eddie Hearn’s doing a great job, you know, taking him with all these fighters.”
